CIS Student Support Specialists Helping a Record Number of Students

Houston ISD investing $4 million to expand CIS’ comprehensive wraparound support, including mental health services, for students in times of need

NEWS RELEASE

(October 10, 2018) – Communities In Schools of Houston, the nonprofit which partners with education leaders to support students on campuses across Greater Houston, expanded this school year to help a record number—more than 120,000 students at 154 schools.

Houston Independent School District, the largest public school system in the state, is investing $4 million over the next four years to expand its comprehensive wraparound support, including mental health services, provided by CIS of Houston for thousands more students. HISD earned the funds through a Teacher and School Leader Incentive Grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

CIS Student Support Specialists are on campuses year-round to help students in their times of need. From crisis intervention, trauma and mental health counseling to basic necessities and extra-curricular activities, CIS Student Support Specialists do whatever it takes to help break down barriers to students’ success.

“Our Student Support Specialists’ work would not be possible without the tireless commitment from education leaders to surround students with a community of support,” CIS of Houston Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Briggs said. “We work closely with hundreds of community organizations to provide critical resources to counteract the upheaval in students’ lives that threaten their ability to succeed in the classroom and, for many, to make it to graduation day.”

CIS of Houston’s Student Support Specialists work on campuses in Houston, Spring Branch, Alief and Fort Bend Independent School Districts, Houston Community College and Lone Star College.

CIS of Houston has impacted more than three million students over the organization’s 40-year history.