We are part of a national movement.
Communities In Schools began in the 1970's when founder Bill Milliken, a youth advocate in New York City, developed the idea of bringing community resources to students within public schools where they could be accessible, coordinated, and accountable. In the span of more than forty years, Communities In Schools has evolved and become the nation's leading drop-out prevention organization. The mission of the national organization and all of its local affiliates, including Kalamazoo, is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. No where does the investment in that mission have the potential for greater return than Kalamazoo.
The Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Kalamazoo developed us back in 2003. These three partners recognize that CIS is a powerful vehicle through which the community can work to empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. Times are tough and yet each remain committed to supporting us and have representation on the CIS Board of Directors. Here is what they have to say about us.
We have three founding partners.
The Kalamazoo Public Schools: "KPS salutes Communities In Schools and all those who work with it on a regular basis to partner with our schools. Together, we can make a stronger community, one that fully supports our children..." read more
The Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce: "The Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated 108 years as an organization. Our history is embedded with a clear recognition that education and economic vitality are interdependent. Our founding of Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo in 2003, along with the City of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Public Schools, is a reflection of that recognition..." read more
The City of Kalamazoo: "The City of Kalamazoo has long understood the relationship of school success with community vitality, quality of life, and economic development. In 1998, the City leadership first approached the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Trustees with this idea of "Communities In Schools" as a way for the community and its resources to systematically support students, individual schools, and the school district in removing barriers and achieving greater success..." read more
We are an ever-evolving organization dedicated to helping ALL students fulfill his or her promise.
2003: Merger. Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo is the product of a merger of three organizations: the Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation (KPEF), the Kalamazoo Area Academic Achievement Program (KAAAP), and Healthy Futures/Communities In Schools. In June, 2003, these entities came together with the purpose of being a catalyst for a greater level of community support to invest in the next generation and to address the physical, social, and emotional needs of public school children so that they can succeed academically.
2005: The Kalamazoo Promise® is announced. In 2005, anonymous donors made a promise--and are keeping good on that promise--that all students who reside in the Kalamazoo Public Schools district, have been a KPS student four consecutive years or more, are eligible to receive (in-state) tuition and mandatory fees for post-secondary education. Learn more about The Kalamazoo Promise®.
2010: Alignment with Communities In Schools. Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Board of Directors unanimously votes to full align with Communities In Schools national organization.
2012: Expansion into 3 more KPS schools. In January, 2012, CIS supports are available in an additional 3 schools: El Sol Elementary School, Prairie Ridge Elementary School, and Northglade Montessori School.
We celebrate our partnerships and successes. Click here to find out about our Champs Celebration!
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