Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County Information

Communities In Schools is a national dropout prevention program, the only one in the nation proven to both decrease dropout and increase graduation rates. In 1992, the program was brought to Tarrant County by a United Way-led task force. Since then, CIS social workers have been providing case management services inside local schools, to assess each student’s unique needs and ensure they are connected with community resources they need to address a wide range of obstacles. Needs range from counseling services, health and dental care, food, utility or rent assistance, clothing, gang intervention and prevention, pregnancy services, and much more. The vast majority of children served by CIS are from low-income households, with 90% qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Most students enrolled in the program come from households where no one has previously graduated from high school. Our social workers are provided office space directly inside local schools to work intensely with students, and over 80 partner agencies, to provide the critical support the students and their families need, with a 97% success rate at keeping kids in schools. Our program operates in 46 schools in 10 Tarrant County school districts, serving more than 24,000 students. We receive support from the Texas Education Agency, as well the the United Way and a variety of local foundations and corporations. CIS depends on the support of the community to continue serving at-risk students.