Communities In Schools

Every diploma tells a story.

Not just of academic achievement—but of perseverance, support, and caring adults who refused to let a student fall through the cracks.

In his latest op-ed, CIS President and CEO Rey Saldaña shares why graduation is about so much more than crossing a stage. It's about the trusted relationships that help students navigate challenges like housing instability, food insecurity, mental health struggles, and chronic absenteeism.

As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we're proud of what got them here. Across CIS, 96% of seniors graduate or earn a GED. And thanks to new research from Opportunity Insights, Harvard's EdRedesign Lab, and Cornell University, we now have independent evidence showing that CIS support helps students graduate and increases lifetime earnings.

Because when a caring adult shows up, the impact lasts a lifetime.

Read "The Diploma Is Just the Beginning" and join us in celebrating the students, site coordinators, educators, and communities making success possible every day.

Click Here: https://cisnational.org/4vPpxOB

The Diploma Is Just the Beginning Working in more than 3,500 schools nationwide, Communities In Schools connects students with trusted adults, often referred to as site coordinators, who have access to …

From their first book to graduation, every milestone matters.

As we wrap up our 2026 Graduation Campaign, we’re celebrating the students, educators, site coordinators, families, and caring adults who helped make this moment possible.

Graduation isn’t just a finish line, it’s the result of years of encouragement, opportunity, and people who chose to be present.

We are grateful for our partner, First Book, whose commitment to literacy helps students build the foundation for lifelong success.

Together, we’re helping ensure that every student has the support they need, from their first book to graduation.

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 by leaving a 💙 and exploring inspiring student stories