As the new school year begins, classrooms across Washington are filling with youth eager to learn and grow. However, for more than one in three students statewide, the path to school isn’t always easy.
Many face challenges that aren’t visible in their backpacks or report cards. Barriers such as lack of clean clothes, enough food, or a safe place to call home. Some are caring for younger siblings, navigating housing stability, or coping with anxiety and grief. Others simply don’t feel like school is a place where they belong.
These quiet, but complex barriers can make attending school difficult, but with the right support, students can overcome these obstacles, re-engage in learning, and build the confidence they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.
Earlier this year, while the need for youth support has grown, Washington state cut funding for youth development by 86%, leaving only $2.4 million for this critical work. With a funding cut so significant, there comes a loss of resources that normally help support students beyond academics such as counseling, mentoring, basic needs assistance, and social-emotional programming. This reduction means fewer staff, limited program availability, and less capacity to address the complex challenges students face.
As a result, schools are stretched thin, trying to meet these growing needs with less-than-ideal funding options. That’s where Communities In Schools steps in, providing trained staff and resources that help fill the gaps, ensuring students still receive the necessary support to attend school regularly.
Last year, the CIS WA network provided more than 190,000 hours of direct support to over 108,000 students. From one-on-one mentoring to access to food, supply and resource closets, to mental health services, academic help, and trauma-informed guidance. CIS is here to make real differences, and schools in the last school year that partner with CIS saw chronic absenteeism drop by 6.35%. Yet, only 10% of Washington students currently have access to this support, leaving thoughts more without the help they need. Specifically at the state office, we show up systemically by shaping policy, aligning resources, and building the professional capacity of the Communities In Schools (CIS) WA network.
As we head into this school year, you can help us change that by giving to help students show up. Your gift fuels training, resources, and program expansion, ensuring CIS is equipped with the tools needed to walk alongside students every day.
Giving comes in many forms, whether through donations, donor-advised funds, corporate engagement opportunities, or volunteering your time. Together, we can ensure every student starts the year ready to show up, stay connected, and believe in their potential. Click the links below to learn more and find out how you can help.
