Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads (CISofHR) is the local affiliate of the national nonprofit Communities In Schools, dedicated to dropout prevention. Founded on the belief that relationships transform lives, CISofHR ensures that students facing barriers to success receive the support they need—right inside their school buildings. With the guidance of a trusted adult coordinating essential resources, these students are more likely to stay in school, graduate on time, and thrive beyond the classroom. Serving 33 elementary, middle, and high schools across all seven Hampton Roads cities, CISofHR is committed to making a lasting difference. Every day, CISofHR Site Coordinators foster strong, trusting relationships with students, empowering them to overcome challenges—whether in attendance, academics, or behavior. Additionally, CISofHR works closely with community partners who provide essentials such as food, hygiene, clothing, and housing.
From Skipping Classes to Graduation Day: Taniyah’s Journey
At 17, Taniyah's senior year at Hampton High School felt like a mountain too steep to climb. Struggling with depression, self-doubt, and the pain of her parents’ separation, she often skipped classes and drifted further from graduation. Everything changed when she was connected with Communities In Schools (CIS).
Through CIS, Taniyah found more than just academic support—she found people who believed in her. Daily check-ins, one-on-one mentoring, and emotional encouragement became the foundation of her transformation. Staff helped her set realistic goals, offered consistent affirmations, and reminded her of her strength, even when she couldn’t see it herself.
She also joined a peer support group, where students shared challenges and celebrated progress together. This environment of trust and accountability helped Taniyah reframe school—not as a source of stress, but as a stepping stone to the future she wanted. With time, Taniyah developed the tools to manage her emotions, speak up when overwhelmed, and stay focused on long-term goals. The simple act of being seen and heard by mentors and peers alike gave her the motivation to push forward. She began showing up with intention—both physically and emotionally—and took ownership of her success.
Now, Taniyah is on track to graduate on time—a goal that once felt out of reach. Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, peer connection, and a little encouragement every day. She’s not just going to walk across that stage. She’s going to own it.
Your financial support of CISofHR gives greater opportunities to Hampton Roads students in overcoming social, emotional, mental health, and academic barriers to success.
Who We Are
For nearly 40 years, Communities In Schools has been helping students achieve in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
The story of Communities In Schools began in the 1970s, when Founder Bill Milliken, then a youth advocate in New York City, came up with the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools – where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children,” Bill once said. “A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”
And that’s exactly what Communities In Schools does. Today, we are the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life. Our unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess students’ needs and provide resources to help them succeed in the classroom and in life. We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers and volunteers. Whether it’s food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help.