Communities In Schools Founder, Bill Milliken
Our History
Our Founder
Founder Bill Milliken began Cities In Schools in New York City in the 1970’s, which was later renamed Communities In Schools. He came up with the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools—where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable.
He recognized that strong, caring relationships between students, parents, educators, community-based organizations, and school and district leaders can create better education outcomes. His vision was to bring a community of support inside our schools to remove barriers that get in the way of student learning.
From this clear vision, CIS was created in 1977 to empower students with communities of care and support so they can achieve their dreams. Today, Bill Milliken’s vision has been brought to life through CIS’ powerful network of organizations working in over 3,500 schools to serve over 2 million students across the nation every year.
For almost 50 years, Communities In Schools has demonstrated measurable success for students around the country. During the 2023-2024 school year, 99 percent of students enrolled in CIS programs remained in school through the end of the school year.
“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.”
“It’s relationships, not programs, that change children. 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.”
– Bill Milliken, Founder
CIS Impact
50 Years Later and Our Impact Continues
With almost fifty years into our mission of surrounding students with communities of support, Bill’s principles continue to guide our work and serve as a beacon for the next chapter in our history.
Communities In Schools has demonstrated measurable success in creating equitable outcomes for schools and students that live in impoverished communities.
During the 2023-2024 School Year:
Our network of more than 120 affiliates in 29 states and 3 licensed partners connected students to caring adults and community resources.
29 STATES + DC
current network span
3,590
schools/sites served*
2 MILLION
students reached with CIS supports and resources*
99%
of our students remained in school through the end of the 2023-24 school year
97%
of our K-11 students were promoted to the next grade
96%
of our seniors graduated or received a GED
CIS History
The History of CIS of Ohio
Communities In Schools of Ohio is part of a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of race, gender, ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond.
Our affiliate was formed in 1993, as Communities In Schools of Central Ohio. During the 2020 Pandemic CIS of Ohio expanded to serve students and schools throughout the state, resulting in our new name, Communities In Schools of Ohio.
CIS Impact
CIS of Ohio’s Ripple Effect
Communities In Schools of Ohio works by bringing community resources directly into schools through embedding a trained School Site Coordinator whose sole focus is helping connect students with additional supports to help them learn, advance in grade level and graduate.
CIS of Ohio’s work has a ripple effect on the students, schools, families, and communities we serve. We are creative problem solvers, and we work with our students, teachers, families, and community partners to bridge gaps and meet students’ needs.
Together we are building a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations.
