Communities In Schools of Memphis

Over the past two school years, "Maya” has shown meaningful growth in both behavior and academic engagement through consistent, relationship-based support and strong collaboration between her Student Support Specialist and classroom teachers. Last year, Maya faced significant challenges with emotional regulation, peer interactions, and staying engaged in the classroom. Transitions were difficult, and she often struggled to remain focused, complete assignments, and manage frustration. With structured support, clear expectations, and ongoing coordination between her support team and teachers, Maya began building the skills needed to succeed.

This year, her progress has been remarkable. She is now able to remain engaged in class, complete her work, and manage transitions with greater independence. Her emotional regulation has improved significantly, and she approaches her learning environment with increased confidence and consistency.

Maya’s journey reflects the impact of persistence, teamwork, and intentional support. Through steady guidance and opportunities to practice new skills, she has developed the tools needed to thrive, demonstrating that small steps, over time, can lead to meaningful and lasting growth.

Strong relationships are at the heart of strong teams. 💙 Recently, CISM staff came together for a Quarter 3 Game Night outing at Game Nite Lounge in Overton Square, creating space to connect, celebrate, and recharge after a successful quarter. Hosted by the Program Development Committee, the evening brought team members together for friendly competition, conversation, and relationship-building outside of their day-to-day roles. Moments like these help strengthen collaboration, build camaraderie, and reinforce the supportive culture that drives our work across Memphis schools and communities.

When we invest in connection and well-being within our team, that impact carries into the work we do every day for students and families.

Today is the day! 💙 Nearly 80 CISM seniors will LEVEL UP into their future at our 6th Annual Pathways to Success Celebration. 💼🎖️🎓

Some are heading to college. Some are launching careers. Some are preparing for military service. All of them have worked hard, overcome challenges, and earned this moment!

These graduates represent the future of Memphis, and their success is made possible by a community that believes in their potential. Through mentoring, college and career-readiness support, workforce development opportunities, and meaningful relationships, students have reached this point. Now, your support can help provide the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to begin their next chapter with confidence.

Today, we celebrate their accomplishments. Tomorrow, they'll help shape the future of Memphis.

As we prepare for this special moment, we're still working toward our $10,000 Pathways to Success goal. 👉 Donate today to help a student LEVEL UP at cismemphis.org/donate.

We're honored to welcome Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari as the keynote speaker for our 6th annual Pathways to Success Celebration on June 4th. 💙

A proud Memphis native and graduate of Cordova High School, Senator Akbari has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and investing in the next generation of leaders. Her journey reflects the same promise and potential we celebrate through Pathways to Success each year as students prepare to LEVEL UP into college, career, and military pathways. 💼🎖️🎓

As Senator Akbari shared:

"In Memphis, we know it takes a village to raise and support our young people. That's why I truly appreciate Communities In Schools of Memphis and the work they do every single day to make sure students feel supported, encouraged, and cared for—both inside and outside the classroom. Sometimes all a young person needs is for somebody to believe in them and remind them that their future matters. CISM does that consistently, and our city is better because of it."

We're grateful for Senator Akbari's leadership and excited for her to help us celebrate nearly 80 CISM graduates as they take the next step toward their future.

👉 Help a student LEVEL UP by supporting Pathways to Success today: cismemphis.org/get-involved/donate

Real impact. Real growth. 🌟 At CISM, our interns are doing more than observing, they’re building meaningful connections and making a real difference in students’ lives. 💙

Recently, one of our interns led a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) group with elementary students focused on identifying emotions, strengthening self-awareness, and developing healthy strategies for managing feelings. Through small groups and one-on-one conversations, interns are helping students stay engaged, supported, and connected, even during stressful times like testing season.

At the same time, these experiences are helping interns grow as future professionals by building confidence, gaining hands-on experience, and learning what meaningful student support looks like in practice.

This is the power of investing in the next generation of leaders while supporting the next generation of students!

🤝 Interested in partnering with Communities In Schools of Memphis to support intern placement opportunities? Let’s connect!

Real impact. Real growth. 🌟 At CISM, our interns are doing more than observing; they’re building meaningful connections and making a real difference in students’ lives. 💙

At Westside Middle School, one 8th-grade student stood out as bright, expressive, and full of potential, but she was struggling with attendance and engagement. With consistent support from her Student Support Specialist and School Attendance Analyst, Ms. Warren, a plan was put in place to help her re-engage.

Through regular check-ins, shared resources, and strong communication with her family, the team worked together to provide the structure and encouragement she needed to succeed. Over time, her attendance improved, and she began to take greater accountability for her actions. Her confidence grew, and her outlook on school and the future became more positive.

This transformation reflects the power of collaboration, persistence, and relationship-based support. By addressing both academic and personal challenges, the team helped this student reconnect, re-engage, and move forward with confidence.

LEVELING UP means turning perseverance into possibility. 💙

That's the story of CISM alumna Regina Pratcher and the kind of future we're celebrating through this year's Pathways to Success campaign.

What began as a young woman with big dreams recently culminated in a major milestone: graduating from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and earning Summa Cum Laude honors.

As a first-generation college graduate, Regina's achievement reflects years of hard work, consistency, and determination. Along the way, she embraced opportunities to grow as a student and leader through organizations including TRIO, New Memphis, and of course, Communities In Schools of Memphis, helping to shape her voice, confidence, and sense of purpose.

"I'm proud of who I'm becoming and the future I'm building."

Stories like Regina's remind us that success is about more than earning a degree. It's about overcoming obstacles, discovering your strengths, and creating new possibilities for yourself and those who follow behind you.

On June 4th, we'll celebrate nearly 80 graduates as they prepare to take their own next steps into college, career, and military pathways. 💼🎖️🎓

👉 You can be part of their journey. and their impact. Donate today to help more students LEVEL UP into their future: cismemphis.org/donate

Jade Johnson leads with purpose and support! 💙 We are proud to recognize Jade, our ISS Program Manager, as Staff Member of the Month for the month of April!

In her new role, Jade has quickly become a steady and positive presence across the team. She leads with intention, taking time to listen, support, and ensure that every team member feels heard, valued, and included. Her commitment to both staff and students is evident in the way she shows up each day, often going above and beyond to support new specialists and colleagues alike. Jade’s leadership is grounded in consistency, organization, and care. She is intentional about uplifting the strengths of others, helping to build confidence and strengthen team morale.

Even while managing a full workload and navigating transitions, Jade brings professionalism, grace, and a strong sense of purpose to her work. Her impact is felt across the organization, and we are grateful for the leadership and support she brings to the CISM community!

One week from today, nearly 80 CISM seniors will LEVEL UP into their future. 💙

After years of hard work, perseverance, and preparation, these graduates are ready to take the next step into college, career, and military pathways. On June 4th, we'll celebrate that achievement at our 6th annual Pathways to Success Celebration. 💼🎖️🎓

Before they take that next step, we have one more opportunity to show them what community support looks like. We're in the final stretch of our $10,000 goal, and every gift helps ensure students have the tools and resources they need to move forward with confidence.

With our community's help, each graduate will receive a custom Success Kit designed to help them start strong, whether that's a laptop for college coursework, professional attire for a new job, dorm essentials, or supplies for military service.

👉 Be a part of their journey and their impact. Sponsor a graduate today to help a student LEVEL UP into their future at cismemphis.org/donate (🔗 in bio).

Every student’s pathway looks different, but everyone deserves a strong start. 💙

On June 4th, nearly 80 CISM seniors will LEVEL UP into their next chapter at our 6th annual Pathways to Success Celebration. 💼🎖️🎓

Some graduates are preparing for college. Others are stepping directly into careers or military service. No matter the pathway, each student has worked hard to reach this moment and deserves the support and resources to move forward with confidence.

That’s why every graduate receives a custom Success Kit tailored to their next step, including essentials like laptops, dorm supplies, professional attire, career tools, and military necessities.

As a community, we’re continuing to work toward our $10,000 goal to help ensure every graduate is ready for what comes next.

👉 Donate today to help a student LEVEL UP into their future: cismemphis.org/donate