At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Central WA, we’re committed to ensuring that all youth, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed. With the support of the Scaling for Success initiative, we’ve been able to significantly expand our reach, helping more students, families, and schools navigate the challenges they face. This article highlights the profound impact of this initiative and what lies ahead.
In 2023, Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) secured a transformative $9 million grant from the Ballmer Group (now known as Scaling for Success) to expand its integrated student support model over the next five years. This significant investment will allow CISWA to deepen its impact, ensuring that more young people across Washington State have equitable educational opportunities.
Scaling for Success: 2023-2024 Impact
In the 2023-2024 school year, CIS of Central WA launched the Scaling for Success initiative with the support of four dedicated positions across our partnering schools. These Student & Community Advocate roles were integral in expanding our services to new schools and increasing support for students across the region. Through these positions, 180 of students have received individualized support, helping them stay on track in school, build meaningful relationships, and access critical resources like food, clothing, and mental health services.
One school, for example, saw a dramatic shift in attendance rates and student engagement due to the presence of a full-time CIS staff member. The feedback from students, families, and educators has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the vital role of Scaling for Success in ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Looking Ahead: 2024-2025 Expansion
Building on the success of the 2023-2024 school year, the Scaling for Success initiative is set to expand further in 2024-2025 with the addition of four new positions. These CIS school-based staff positions will focus specifically on supporting elementary schools—an area where the school district has identified a growing need for intervention and support. By deepening our engagement at this critical stage, we aim to provide early, targeted assistance to help students build a strong foundation for future success.
The second iteration of the grant is a direct response to the needs identified by local school districts. They have seen firsthand the difference these supports make in students’ lives and are eager to see even more resources deployed to meet the challenges of growing student populations.
Supporting Larger Schools, Serving More Students
As schools in Central WA continue to grow, so too does the need for expanded support. Some of our partner schools serve hundreds of students, many of whom face unique barriers to success. The Scaling for Success initiative allows us to meet this demand by placing highly trained staff members in schools with the largest student populations. These staff work directly with youth to ensure their academic, social, and emotional needs are met, helping them stay engaged in their education and on track to graduate.
Support Scaling for Success
The Scaling for Success initiative has already made a big impact, but we need continued support to keep these vital services going and expand them. By investing in CIS of Central WA, you ensure that every student, no matter their background or challenges, gets the support they need to succeed.
We are grateful to our partners in the Scaling for Success initiative for believing in the power of education and helping drive this change. With ongoing support, we can provide even more resources to local schools and guide young people through their most important years.
Scaling for Success isn’t just a program—it’s a lifeline for students who need extra support to reach their potential. With the help of our community, donors, and partners, we will continue to build on this success and make sure every student in Central WA has the chance to thrive in school and beyond.
Discover the incredible, life-changing work of Communities In Schools of Central Washington—click below to explore the full story in our annual reports!
For more information on how your school district can benefit from this funding, contact Maura Ruiz, Executive Director, Communities In Schools of Central WA, at maurar@ciscentralwa.org. Together, we can make a lasting impact on local students’ lives.