Meet Maroon, a graduating senior from Airport High School in Columbia. Maroon’s journey with Communities In Schools began when he met site coordinator Ms. Key in the library, where their shared love of diverse food and cultures sparked an immediate bond. Their connection grew stronger, and Maroon became involved in the CIS program, finding a supportive mentor and friend in Ms. Key.   For Maroon, finding a sense of belonging has been pivotal, especially as a member of the LGBTQ+ community facing barriers to acceptance. “It’s been a struggle, but knowing that there’s an ..read more

Meet Malachi, a graduating senior from Carolina High School in Greenville. Malachi’s journey with Communities In Schools began in 10th grade when he found a mentor in Mr. James Odom, a site coordinator who fostered inclusivity at school while helping Malachi build meaningful connections outside of the building.  Ms. Miranda Burton, one of Malachi’s site coordinators, has witnessed a transformation over the years. His once-introverted nature gave way to confidence and self-assuredness. In his senior year, Malachi began attending the Fine Arts Center – the first specialized a ..read more

Meet RaeLynn, a graduating senior from Early College High School in Charleston. RaeLynn has embraced her strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieved remarkable academic success, earning a place at the University of South Carolina this fall, where she will pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. RaeLynn’s journey with Communities In Schools began in third grade at Pepperhill Elementary, where she was connected to Ms. Kerness, a site coordinator who created a space where she felt safe, respected, and valued. Her CIS journey continued through middle school at Northwoods with Ms. Bennett, a ..read more

Billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott has donated $2.5 million to Communities in Schools of South Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting students through social and emotional programs. The donation is part of $133.5 million that Scott is donating to the nonprofit’s national office. Scott chose 40 out of the 110 Communities in Schools affiliates to receive individual donations. Last year, Communities in Schools merged its three chapters in North Charleston, Greenville and Columbia into one centralized office on Turnbull Avenue in North Charleston, allowing it to reach more students ..read more

September 21, 2023 — Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC), has been awarded a $90,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to sustain the integrated student support programming at Lower Richland High School in Richland County, launch programming at Fairfield Central High School in Fairfield County, and maintain its program commitment to students at St. John’s High School in the Charleston County School District. Each school site will be supported with $30,000 of the grant. “We are incredibly grateful to Power:Ed for their steadfast support in our ..read more

August 28, 2023 – Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC) is excited to announce the release of its inaugural Five-Year Strategic Roadmap, a comprehensive plan designed to guide the organization’s efforts in advancing student success and fostering equitable education across the state. The strategic roadmap is the culmination of extensive collaboration, analysis, and planning. It outlines CISSC’s commitment to amplifying impact by addressing critical focus areas, nurturing strategic partnerships, and remaining steadfast in its mission to empower students to thrive academically a ..read more

The Communities In Schools program ensures that students have everything they need to succeed – food, access to technology and school supplies, emotional support, and more. By bringing community resources to students, we are creating equitable learning conditions in schools and beyond. Read our 2021-22 Annual Report to learn more about the work we’re doing here in South Carolina ..read more

NORTH CHARLESTON — The South Carolina chapters of Communities in Schools have merged into one, allowing the nonprofit to reach more students with its social and emotional support programs. The nonprofit previously had three affiliates: in North Charleston to serve the Lowcountry, in Columbia to cover the Midlands and in Greenville to cover the Upstate. As of Aug. 16, Communities in Schools of South Carolina serves all of those students from its offices on Turnbull Avenue in North Charleston. Through its programs, the organization provides access to resources and support that will allow it to ..read more