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, they 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. 

Our mission to "surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life" became more urgent with the announcement of The Kalamazoo Promise in 2005.  With this incredible gift of free post-secondary education comes a pressing need to ensure that all of our students can successfully graduate from high school and be eligible to use The Kalamazoo Promise. 

It has become even more crucial that our children and youth receive the resources and services they need to overcome the physical, social, and emotional barriers to learning.  We hope that you will help us guarantee that every student succeeds in school and in life.