FAQs
What is Communities In Schools of Tennessee?
Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) is the state’s largest and most experienced nonprofit evidence-based wraparound service provider. Our highly trained school-based staff work directly inside our 61 partner schools in 15 counties across the state to help connect students and families with community resources and support by addressing chronic absenteeism, providing essential resources, family engagement, and more to ensure all students have what they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
How are you funded?
As a nonprofit organization, CIS of Tennessee relies on a combination of funding sources, including donations from individuals, grants from foundations, corporate partnerships, and government funding. These contributions enable us to provide essential services to students across the state.
Who are Program Managers?
Program Managers are caring adults who work full-time inside school buildings to eliminate barriers to student success - such as chronic absence, food insecurity, homelessness, and trauma. They assess students' needs and provide direct services or connect them with community resources to ensure they have the support necessary to succeed in and out of the classroom.
How do you measure the impact of your programs?
We evaluate our success by tracking key metrics such as improvements in attendance, social-emotional learning, grade promotion rates, and graduation rates. For example, during the 2024-2025 school year, 76% of case-managed students improved their attendance, 91% increased their social-emotional learning, 95% were promoted to the next grade (K-11), and 95% of seniors graduated.
What schools does CIS serve?
CIS of Tennessee serves students at predominantly Title I schools across all grade levels, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group, ensuring that every student receives appropriate support.
How can I get involved or support CIS of Tennessee?
There are several ways to support our mission:
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist with various programs and events.
Donate: Make a financial contribution to help sustain our services or donate basic needs to help support our students and families.
Partner: Collaborate with us through your business or organization to provide resources or services.
For more information, please contact us directly.
How can schools partner with CIS of Tennessee?
Schools interested in partnering with CIS of Tennessee can reach out to us through our contact page. We work closely with school administrations to integrate our support services and tailor them to the specific needs of their student populations.
What makes CIS of Tennessee different from other student support programs?
Unlike other organizations that operate outside of schools, CIS of Tennessee is embedded within schools, ensuring students receive ongoing, individualized support. Our wraparound student support model allows us to build trusting relationships and provide targeted resources that address the root causes of student challenges.
How many schools does CIS of Tennessee serve?
CIS of Tennessee currently serves 61 schools across the state, reaching 28,390 students annually. Our network is growing, and we continue to expand into new communities based on need.