Our Mission

Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we acknowledge that Communities in Schools of Tacoma operate on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup Tribe. The Puyallup people have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time and continue to do so today. We recognize that this land acknowledgement is one small step toward true allyship, and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond. Let this acknowledgement remind us to always offer opportunity for recognition, inclusion, and respect to our Tribal partners and all indigenous students, families, and staff in our community. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Belief Statement

“WE BELIEVE in the constant pursuit of authentic relationships. OUR COMMITMENT to support and celebrate our students and their diversity through inclusion leads everything we do. We understand that to break down barriers we must be intentional about addressing inequalities and empower students to unlock their potential.”

Why We Exist

For students we serve, barriers to success can look like many things. Students may have unmet basic needs, be marginalized at school, or need support navigating a maze of public and private resources. At Communities In Schools, we are resource navigators, youth advocates, and community organizers. We are here to break down barriers so that all students can write their own version of a success story.

What We Do

We help make sure that every student, regardless of race, gender, ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to unlock their full potential in school and beyond. We walk by their side to challenge the systems and barriers that stand between them and their success in life.

Girls from CIS of Tacoma's STEAM club sit on a grassy hill
Two smiling students sitting in front of a bookshelf

How We Do It

Working directly in 7 schools in Tacoma, our evidence-based model connects students to caring adults and community resources to transform how they see and experience the world around them. By surrounding them with a network of trust they can turn to no matter where they are in their journey, we empower students to confront and overcome personal challenges and structural barriers—so they can take charge of the future they want for themselves, their communities and each other.

Making a Difference

At Communities In Schools of Tacoma, our 151 students receiving individualized support show outstanding progress towards their personal goals.

  • 98%
    Stayed in School
  • 100%
    Improved Attendance
  • 100%
    Improved Behavior
  • 96%
    Improved Coursework

* Outcomes reflect data from last school year

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