Communities In Schools of Central Texas

Happy graduation season!

At Communities In Schools of Central Texas, we are honored to help students explore college pathways and career opportunities beyond high school.

Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors across the region.
Austin ISD, Del Valle Independent School District, Elgin TX Independent School District, Harmony Public Schools, Hays CISD, Lockhart ISD, Manor ISD, San Marcos Consolidated ISD, Taylor ISD

We cannot wait to see all you accomplish!

College success starts with connection.

Communities In Schools of Central Texas’ new PATHS partnership is helping students stay supported while pursuing higher education. Through wraparound support services at Austin Community College District, CIS provides students with guidance, resources, and encouragement as they work toward their goals.

Link to program info: https://ciscentraltexas.org/pathsatacc

(Pictured: 2026 PATHS grad, Sarah Ghita

At Lockhart High School (Lockhart ISD), students like Kate and Laura found their voices and built new paths forward with the support of Communities In Schools and their program manager, Raymond McClain.

Kate came to CIS feeling unsure of herself, keeping her artwork hidden out of fear. Through one-on-one support, she built confidence and found a safe space to grow. By senior year, she was ready to share her work and her story.

Laura was struggling with attendance until a friend connected her with CIS and Raymond. With consistent support, she stayed on track and reached her goals.

From confidence to consistency, these stories remind us that the relationships we build can truly change outcomes.

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As we spend time with loved ones, we pause in gratitude for their sacrifice. 🇺🇸

Did you know that our programming continues year-round? Our youth enrichment program extends students’ learning throughout the summer with lots of fun, educational activities, including exploring the Austin Aquarium, Austin Zoo, Natural Bridge Caverns, Blazer Tag, and more.

Graduation season is here, and we are celebrating the Class of 2026!

Our students’ collective achievements represent resilience, determination, and the power of support systems that help them reach their goals. We are honored to walk alongside every graduate.

Studies from Opportunity Insights and researchers at Harvard University and other leading institutions found that the Communities In Schools model increases high school graduation rates by 5.2% and matriculation at two-year colleges by 9.1%.

These outcomes reflect what we see every day across Central Texas. When students are surrounded by support and strong relationships, they succeed.

Congratulations to the 2026 graduates. Your future is bright, and we are proud to be part of your journey!

We are proud to celebrate our first PATHS graduates at Austin Community College District!

Congratulations to:
🎓 Sarah Ghita (AS in General Studies in Science) will be transferring to UTSA - The University of Texas at San Antonio.
🎓 Elisha MacGregor (AA in Psychology) will be transferring to St. Edward's University.

Our PATHS (Providing Access to Holistic Support) partnership with ACC helps students reach their college and career goals by bringing Communities In Schools nationally recognized model for wraparound support services into higher education.

ACC recently profiled Elisha for her inspiring journey from rebuilding to leading. Read her story here: https://sites.austincc.edu/newsroom/2026/04/30/from-rebuilding-to-leading-elisha-m-s-journey-to-the-graduation-stage

Learn more about PATHS: https://ciscentraltexas.org/pathsatacc/

(Pictured: Elisha MacGregor)

When students feel better emotionally, they are able to show up, engage, and succeed in school.

This , we’re recognizing the growing need for mental health support among students across Central Texas and the importance of meeting them where they are.

Through our Mental Health and Wellness Program, licensed clinicians provide care directly on campus, helping remove barriers to access. We also support entire school communities with training and connecting families to resources through a trauma-sensitive, family-centered approach.

The impact is real. According to CIS data, 94% of students who entered care with moderate or severe depression or anxiety showed a decrease in symptoms.

Mental health support changes outcomes. And together, we can ensure more students have access to the care they need.

Mothers are often our first teachers, guiding us with care, strength, and love long before we ever step into a classroom.

At Communities In Schools of Central Texas, we see the powerful role moms and caregivers play every day as partners in their children’s success. Through programs like Care Coordination, ASPIRE, and SmartKids, families open their homes and trust us to walk alongside them, creating stronger support systems for students.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the moms and caregivers who show up, advocate, and nurture brighter futures for their children.

We wish all of our families a Happy Mother’s Day.

At Communities in Schools, we are proud to have a team of teachers who support our ASPIRE Family Literacy Program, which brings together a community of families working together for a brighter future.

One of our super-star team members—and teachers—is Lili Castelan, who recently celebrated her 25-year anniversary at CIS!

Lili began working as a home visitor in a former CIS program focused on home instruction for parents of pre-school students. She brought her skills and knowledge to ASPIRE, where she now leads one of our early childhood education classrooms.

ASPIRE children attend classes four days a week while their parents receive adult education and parenting workshops. Parents and children also come together to participate in shared play and learning activities at ASPIRE, as well as during home visits.

Thanks to dedicated teachers like Lili, ASPIRE children enter school ready for academic success!