Guiding Principles

The mission of CIS is to keep children in school so that they can learn, grow and prepare for college, for a career, and for life.

CIS believes every child needs and deserves these "Five Basics":
 
A one-on-one caring relationship with an adult
Many children do not have strong relationships with caring adults.  We recruit and train professional caring staff and volunteers to be mentors and tutors to young people in need and at risk.  These staff and volunteers become someone the children can trust, depend on and look up to.

A safe place to learn and grow
Our in-school, after-school, and alternative learning academy programs give kids an alternative to risky environments and activities. Often focused on math and reading, they help kids catch-up with their classmates and maintain confidence and skills.

A healthy start and a healthy future
Kids can't learn if they have a throbbing toothache, can't see the blackboard, or are hungry. Our CIS coordinators connect young people with a host of services providing health, social and behavioral care.

A marketable skill to use upon graduation
Our programs focus on helping at-risk students master basic analytical and social skills, and develop attitudes and ethics necessary for success in the workplace.

A chance to give back to peers and community
Little makes a young person feel more valued by their communities than when given the chance to give back. Through community service, young people understand the give/get interconnection between themselves and the greater community.