Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) is set to make an even greater impact in the lives of students across the city, thanks to a significant grant of $443,152 from the national Scaling for Success initiative, funded by the Ballmer Group. This funding will allow CIS of Houston to expand its comprehensive support services to eight additional school campuses for the 2024-2025 school year, a move that will provide critical resources to even more students in need.

As part of this expansion, CIS of Houston will now serve two new schools in Houston ISD, three in Royal ISD, two Harmony Public Schools, and The Lawson Academy. Each of these campuses will benefit from the presence of a dedicated Student Support Manager, who will be embedded full-time to deliver a wide range of services, including counseling, academic support, and access to essential health and human services. These managers are crucial in connecting students and families with tailored community resources, drawing on a network of over 300 CIS community partners.

 

"This Scaling for Success grant, backed by the generous support of the Ballmer Group, is a game-changer for our organization," said Lisa Descant, CEO of Communities In Schools of Houston. "The Ballmer Group’s mission to enhance economic mobility for children and families aligns seamlessly with our efforts to ensure that every student has the opportunity to stay in school, graduate on time, and succeed in life. This grant empowers us to reach more students in more schools, providing them with the tools they need to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential."

The Scaling for Success initiative represents a bold vision for the future of education in America. With a goal to extend the CIS model to every Title I-eligible school in the country, this initiative is designed to attract both public and private investment, ensuring sustainable, long-term support for millions of students living in poverty. Communities In Schools of Houston is proud to be one of 56 organizations selected for this year’s cohort, reaffirming its commitment to building a stronger, more equitable education system.

For more information on Communities In Schools of Houston and the Scaling for Success initiative, visit http://www.cishouston.org.

Learn more about the nationwide impact of Scaling for Success and CIS: https://cisnational.org/4cqFQYd.