Communities In Schools of Houston recognizes National Mentoring Month as a time to positively impact the lives of students

Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), an educational nonprofit, celebrates National Mentoring Month in January, a time for Americans to celebrate the power of relationships, drive meaningful change, and expand quality mentoring opportunities for the nation’s youth. Mentoring is at the core of what CIS of Houston does, through both dedicated professionals and trained volunteers.

CIS serves 147 campuses in six Houston-area school districts, along with charter schools and the Lone Star College network. On each partner campus, CIS places at least one full-time Student Support Specialist to deliver direct services, including counseling, academic support, workforce readiness, and health and human services, all under the umbrella of mentoring. Students and families are also provided with tailored referrals to community resources, while collaborating with 287 community partners, including volunteers, social service agencies, mental health providers, and educators, to help students stay in school and thrive.

In addition to paid staff who serve in a mentoring role, Communities In Schools of Houston has a robust volunteer program with dedicated adults who provide additional support to individual students most in need. This could be in the form of academic tutoring to help the student stay on grade level or emotional support for a child or teen in crisis.

“Mentorships can make all the difference in students’ lives, considering the many challenges students today face,” says Lisa Descant, LPC-S, LMFT-S, and CEO of CIS of Houston. “As we start the New Year, it’s a good time to recognize the importance of mentors in our lives, whether in school or the workplace.

“Our dedicated CIS Student Support Specialists are on the front lines every day, ensuring that students receive the support needed to stay in school and succeed. Additionally, we have many campus volunteers who step in to bridge the gap for CIS students who may be struggling and need a caring adult in their lives.”

According to Mentoring.org, “Mentoring relationships are a core component of healthy human development, offering support at key moments in our lives, teaching us skills and expanding our opportunities, and filling gaps in each person’s network of support as we strive for our goals and transition into adult life.”

Notable benefits for youth, which the CIS evidence-based support model confirms, include:

  • Increased high school graduation rates

  • Lower high school dropout rates

  • Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices

  • Better attitude about school

  • Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations

  • Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence

  • Improved behavior, both at home and at school

  • Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers

For more information about volunteer opportunities with Communities In Schools of Houston, please visit www.cishouston.org. Although January is officially mentoring month, it is never too late to become a mentor in your community.

CIS Houston