Communities In Schools of North Carolina

Graduation day represents not only a student's hard work and perseverance but also the support of caring adults along the way. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to reach that milestone.

By connecting students with the resources they need and showing up for them every day, we help ensure more young people stay in school and succeed. Together, we can help more students walk across the stage and into bright futures.

Your investment can help a student succeed in school and thrive in life. Give today: cisnc.org/donate

As Antwone prepares to graduate early this spring, he reflects on his journey and the obstacles he overcame to reach this moment. Antwone admits that part of this journey was separating himself from those whose vision of the future didn’t align with his.

Antwone met his CIS Specialist, Mr. Nobles, when he arrived at Alger B. Wilkins High School. “He is a guy who takes care of business,” Antwone says about Mr. Nobles. “He knows the things he wants to accomplish and lays out a plan to make sure it happens”. That approach helped Antwone view school more positively—the reassurance that if he develops a plan and sticks to it, he, too, can accomplish his goals.

Read more about Antwone. https://cisnc.org/meet-antwone/

For many students, the biggest barriers to success aren’t academic—they’re everyday challenges like transportation, mental or physical health, access to clean clothes, or responsibilities at home.

CISNC works to remove or reduce these barriers by connecting students with the resources they need to stay in school and succeed.

When students have the support they need, including a dedicated CIS Specialist, they can focus on what matters most: learning, growing and reaching graduation day.

Every student deserves the chance to succeed. Help us support students on their path to graduation. www.cisnc.org

As Kendall prepares seniors for graduation, he shares this message: “Remember that success is not defined by a single path — it is built through determination, resilience, and the courage to believe in yourself even when things feel uncertain. Whether your journey leads you to college, the workforce, the military, entrepreneurship, or a trade, your future is full of obtainable possibilities.”

Graduation season is in full swing! Congratulations to the students at East Henderson High School! Included in the class are winners from this year's JNCG state competition.
East Henderson High School

CIS students at North Edgecombe High School wrapped up the school year with their Commit to Your Future ceremony.

They shared a meal, wrote down their future intentions, and spent meaningful time together as the year comes to a close. A former CIS student also stopped by to offer advice and inspiration for their future journeys.

Meet Kendall, a Jobs for North Carolina's Graduates (JNCG) Specialist.

When he saw his current position at Purnell Swett High School being advertised, he was excited to apply. “I jumped on this opportunity because it felt like the best of both worlds. I can help students get into college and show them what career opportunities are available locally.”

Learn more about Specialist, Kendall! https://cisnc.org/meet-jncg-specialist-kendall-morrison/

Janet Torres went from excessive absences to being the commencement speaker. When she was told at the beginning of the year that she might not graduate on time because of absences, she took this to heart and made it a priority to show up and earn good grades. Her attitude and behavior have been fantastic, impressing her teachers with her efforts. Janet has been accepted into Southwestern Community College's Cosmetology program and is proud of her achievements as a first-generation college student.
Southwestern Community College NC

There’s no substitute for showing up.

When students know someone believes in them and is there to support them, it can make all the difference in their journey through school. CIS Specialists provide that steady, caring presence for students who need it most.

Together, we can help more students stay present in school and reach graduation day. Learn how CIS Specialists help students reach graduation day. https://cisnc.org/graduates-2026/

When our CIS Specialists meet students where they are and provide them with the supports they need to succeed, the result is stronger academic achievement, more graduates, a more robust workforce, a more prosperous economy and thriving communities.

Your investment can be the reason why a student has access to the support and resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.

As we close out the school year, you can join us in celebrating our accomplished graduates and helping us ensure all of our students have the support they need to take the next step in their educational journey www.cisnc.org/donate