About Us 

Founded in the 1970s on the belief that "programs don't save children, relationships do," Communities In Schools (CIS) has become the nation's most effective and widely respected community-based organization helping kids succeed in school and prepare for life. CIS of Brunswick County is part of a National Network. The CIS National Office is located in Alexandria, Virginia (www.cisnet.org) and the CISNC State Office (www.cisnc.org) is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. CISNC serves over 35 counties in North Carolina. When comparing the number of sites, staff, budget, and population served, CIS of Brunswick County ranks as one of the three largest in the state. CIS takes a comprehensive approach in serving all of Brunswick County with an array of services and networking.

In 1995, a small team representing several Brunswick County schools, community agencies, and members of the business community began meeting to look at the possibilities for improving student success. A review of best practices from across the country enabled the team to conclude that Communities In Schools was the most effective mechanism to mobilize the community for improving the success of low-performing students and establishing "community excellence."

CIS began its first initiative by helping to create partnerships and funding for the Brunswick Learning Center Alternative School. Later, with the financial assistance of Progress Energy, E.I. DuPont, and several community investors, CIS was incorporated as a non-profit and expanded to serve all Brunswick County Schools with an array of services and community resources. Today, over 10,000 children and family members are positively impacted through CIS community partnerships.