Who We Are
Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Through a statewide network of 12 affiliates, CISWA reaches 144,738 students through schoolwide supports across 212 schools in 49 districts statewide, representing 13% of Washington public school students. Of those, 6,509 students receive individualized support to help them overcome barriers, stay engaged, and thrive.
Our Footprint
Why Partner with Us?
CISWA stands out for its holistic approach to student success. By addressing both academic and non-academic barriers through our Integrated Student Supports (ISS) model, we ensure that students have the resources they need to thrive. With our unique position within school systems, our Site Coordinators advocate effectively on behalf of students, ensuring that their voices are heard.
Key Statewide Issues:
- Mental Health Support
- Unstable Housing
- Family Engagement
- Basic Needs
Your Support Helps Us Achieve Remarkable Impact:
- Chronic Absenteeism: Help students overcome the barriers that keep them from showing up, staying engaged, and feeling connected at school. In 2024–2025, students receiving intensive, relationship-driven interventions saw an average 6.35% improvement in attendance over three or more years when CIS is present. Among students receiving individualized supports, 72.5% met or made progress on their attendance goals.
- Basic Needs Support: Provide critical resources like food, clothing, housing assistance, transportation, school supplies, hygiene items, and other essentials that help students stay focused on learning. In 2024–2025, the CIS WA network distributed 430,240 basic needs items to students and families across Washington.
- Mental Health Support: Strengthen youth mental health through caring, trained adults and relationship-based student supports. In 2024–2025, the state office invested 2,990 hours in high-quality trainings and statewide convenings, including Youth Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, Developmental Relationship Training, and other professional learning opportunities. Among students receiving individualized supports, 92% met or made progress on their social-emotional learning goals.
- Technology Access: Expand digital equity and family navigation services for students and families. In 2024–2025, CISWA provided 127,819 hours of Digital Equity support, including technology access, navigation support, and tech literacy.
Key Benefits of Partnering with CISWA:
- Holistic Approach: We address both academic and non-academic barriers to student success.
- Embedded in Schools but Independent: Our Site Coordinators work within schools, offering support and advocating for students’ needs.
- Systemic Change Focus: We promote educational equity and advocate for policies that benefit students and communities across Washington.
Additional Partnership Opportunities:
- Host a Partner Event with CISWA
- Support a Hybrid Statewide Event Discussion (Exclusive Sponsorship)
- Employee Engagement Opportunities
- Host a Volunteer Drive (Annually)
- Co-Brand Giving Days: GiveBIG (May) and Giving Tuesday (November)
Get Involved and Make an Impact
Discover how you can contribute by downloading the Year-Round Partnership PDF below. For sponsorship opportunities, connect with our development team at development@ciswa.org to arrange a discussion.
Acknowledging Our Valued Partners
