Communities In Schools of Memphis Receives Transformative Investment from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to Help Students Overcome Obstacles in Learning and Life
February 3, 2022 — Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM) is part of an unprecedented gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to the national Communities In Schools Network. CISM is one of two Tennessee affiliates of the national organization benefiting from the donation.
In a time when the global pandemic has created unparalleled challenges for students and families, including experiences of social isolation, economic crisis, stress, and trauma, this investment will help CISM carry out its cause to ensure every student, regardless of
race, zip code, or history of marginalization, has what they need to succeed. Nationally, this $133.5 million total investment will provide tremendous fuel for impact, infrastructure, and the people working inside schools by expanding the proven Communities In Schools model to help students overcome obstacles in learning and life. However, it does not change the reality of the continued work ahead and the need for public and private partnerships that must remain true.
“We are thankful to philanthropist MacKenzie Scott for this generous investment and for having the confidence in our organization to support students and families more holistically,” said Sonji Branch, CEO of CIS of Memphis. “Our community has experienced generations of inequities, causing our students and families to fall behind. These funds will help us address educational inequities post-pandemic, emphasizing mental health, social-emotional learning, career and technical education, and other resources that increase academic performance and ultimately create pathways for economic mobility for our students and families."
CISM has been serving students and families across Shelby County for eight years, with a team of 19 specialists who support more than 8,000 students working directly inside 21 schools. By identifying the points of challenge for students in their personal lives, such as food, bedding, school supplies, clothing, transportation passes, and much more, CISM staff helps to empower students to move beyond the barriers they face in the school building and in the community. Our organization believes that transformative relationships are key to unlocking a student's potential.
While additional funding is essential to fulfilling an ambitious four-year strategic plan, this contribution brings CISM one step closer to achieving its goals by 2025, including: expanding to 30 campuses, serving 45,000 students with whole-school supports, offering individual case management for over 4,000 students, and assisting nearly 600 families through Care Coordination. More specifically, CISM will make significant investments to help create viable pathways and resources for students to pursue careers after high school through partnerships that provide access to coaching, certifications, counseling, internship opportunities, and on-the-job training.
“Today is an important day for students who are underserved, under-resourced, and in need of supports to build a brighter future,” said Rey Saldaña, President and CEO of Communities In Schools. “This unrestricted gift allows us to combat the inequities in public education and reimagine the way schools operate and show up for all students.”
