Our Process
Schools apply to be part of the Communities In Schools of Chicago (CISC) network and go through a selective application and interview process.

Once the school is part of our network, CISC works directly with each school partner to connect services and build their capacity to create effective partnerships that will provide significant long-term benefits for students.

With our network of 165 partner schools, we help school staff identify student priorities, find community resources and coordinate services that address needs.

We also work with school staff to develop a broad range of skills that enable them to create and sustain relationships with community partners.

Our School Partnership Model
CISC partners with 165 schools representing 61 of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. In 153 schools, we work with school staff to build their capacity to create effective partnerships that will provide long-term benefits for students. This year, in order to reach more students with critically needed services, CISC is piloting a two-year partnership with 12 additional affiliate schools.

In 153 schools, CISC supports the development of a set of skills that enable school staff to create and sustain meaningful community partnerships. This skill set includes:

• Identifying students’ top priorities;
• Coordinating programs and services;
• Communicating effectively with partners;
• Evaluating programs and services to gauge impact; and
• Cultivating and appreciating community partners.

In 12 schools we work with school staff on a less intensive basis, connecting high-capacity agencies that offer programs addressing a set of core student needs. These affiliate schools have access to CISC staff for service referrals and basic coordination support and are included in select training and networking events.

Learn more about how CISC impacts our school partners
Learn more about how to apply