Communities In Schools Founder, Bill Milliken
CIS History
Communities In Schools (CIS) founder Bill Milliken 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 not programs that are transforming young people’s lives, it’s relationships.
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, CIS Founder
CIS of Ohio History
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.
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
