CIS Afterschool Programs

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Real tools for real-world student support.

Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Operating in over 2,900 schools across 26 states and the District of Columbia, CIS integrates student supports into the daily life of schools, addressing both academic and non-academic barriers to success.

CIS's afterschool and OST programs are designed to provide safe, supportive environments where students can engage in academic enrichment, build social-emotional skills, and explore interests beyond the classroom. These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each school community, often including tutoring, mentoring, college and career readiness activities, and access to basic needs such as meals and mental health services.

How MindWorks Benefits CIS Afterschool Programs

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Your site coordinators do it all — academic support, emotional check-ins, family outreach. MindWorks gives them an easy way to turn time with students into something that’s structured, skill-building, and full of purpose.

Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support — and MindWorks is proud to be one of those supports. Our minimal-prep academic kits make it easier for CIS site coordinators, staff, and partners to lead structured, engaging activities that reinforce learning and build trust. Whether it’s used during Tier 2 intervention, afterschool blocks, or family engagement nights, MindWorks helps students reconnect, rebuild skills, and stay on a path to success — all within the flexible, relationship-first model that makes CIS so impactful.

CIS Afterschool Impact

CIS's afterschool and OST initiatives have demonstrated positive outcomes in improving student achievement, attendance, and overall well-being. By providing comprehensive support during critical out-of-school hours, CIS helps students develop the skills and resilience needed for long-term success.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Students participating in CIS's afterschool programs often show improved academic performance, including higher grades and increased homework completion rates. The additional instructional time and personalized support contribute to better understanding and retention of academic material.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

CIS's OST programs have been associated with improved school attendance and increased student engagement. By creating a sense of belonging and providing meaningful activities, these programs encourage consistent participation and a positive attitude toward learning.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Afterschool programs under CIS emphasize the development of social-emotional competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills. Through structured activities and supportive relationships, students build the emotional intelligence necessary for personal and academic success.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

CIS's OST initiatives include components that prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce. Activities such as college tours, career exploration, and skill-building workshops equip students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their goals beyond high school.

Sources: Communities In Schools and National Center for Community Schools

Metro

CIS is embedded in school-day and afterschool systems, especially in high-need districts. In cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago, CIS manages afterschool programs, coordinates community providers, and delivers case management.

Rural

CIS serves rural students through embedded site coordinators who deliver or coordinate OST services and connect students to local partners. Virtual mentoring and mobile support teams extend access in low-density regions.

Federal Funding

CIS affiliates may receive 21st CCLC grants, Title I funding through schools, and federal wraparound services funding (e.g., Full-Service Community Schools, McKinney-Vento). The national office advocates for OST and integrated student support policy.

State Funding

State support for CIS varies but often includes legislative appropriations (e.g., Texas, North Carolina), competitive grants, and public education contracts. CIS programs align with state mental health and equity goals.

All Funding Sources

  • Title I and school district contracts
  • 21st CCLC and ESSER grants
  • State education and health grants
  • Private philanthropy: Ballmer Group, Communities Foundation of Texas
  • Local fundraising and corporate support

Family Involvement

Parents can access afterschool and wraparound services through their school’s CIS site coordinator. Most CIS-supported schools offer services free of charge.

Partner Involvement

School systems, funders, and nonprofits can partner with local CIS affiliates to coordinate or co-deliver OST programming. The national office offers evidence-based models and scaling guidance.

CIS Afterschool Resources

Related CIS MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information about states, organizations, or products that may be relevant to CIS.

States

  • Illinois – Strong CIS presence in major districts offering integrated student supports tied to OST.
  • District of Columbia – Operates in DC schools; integrates OST and student wraparound supports.
  • North Carolina – Statewide CIS partnerships link academic intervention with enrichment time.
  • Georgia – District-wide CIS implementation supports OST access and student success.
  • Michigan – Active CIS presence addressing poverty-linked achievement gaps via afterschool support.
  • Nevada – CIS helps bridge school-day and OST programming through local partnerships.

Organizations

  • Boys & Girls Clubs – Often collaborate with CIS to extend support beyond school hours.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Provides national research and advocacy backing CIS-linked OST programs.
  • United Way – Major CIS funder and community-level OST convener across many states.

Products

Our products are designed to fit seamlessly into CIS programming — giving site coordinators and partners easy-to-use tools to support learning during pull-outs, afterschool blocks, or family nights. Each kit reinforces academic growth while helping students build confidence and connection.

  • Brain Boost – Ideal for Tier 2 academic intervention and small-group pullouts, with hands-on activities that reinforce math, literacy, and science skills.
  • Cornerstone – Provides ready-to-run, cross-curricular enrichment that fits into afterschool blocks, summer learning, or counselor-led programming.
  • Imaginate – Supports SEL and creativity through collaborative STEAM challenges — perfect for reconnecting students and encouraging positive peer engagement.
  • Base Camp – Strengthens early learning for younger students with playful, screen-free literacy and math activities great for Pre-K readiness and family engagement events.

Want to equip your CIS staff and partners with academic tools that fit real-world school settings? Contact Us to explore how MindWorks can support your student success goals.