Communities In Schools® (CIS®), the leading provider of K-12 school-based integrated student supports (ISS) in the United States, has launched a new public service campaign titled “Being Present Matters.” The campaign aims to address chronic absenteeism nationwide and promote solutions offered by CIS to tackle this issue.
The campaign features a six-foot-tall paper attendance roll, imprinted with 15 million names, representing each chronically absent student in the U.S. This visual image highlights the significant number of students missing 10 percent or more of the school year, an issue exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Being present for our students is more than just showing up—it's about sending a powerful message that they matter and that we believe in their potential,” said Rey Saldaña, president and CEO of Communities In Schools. “When we show up for them, we empower them to show up for themselves.”
Research indicates multiple factors contribute to chronic absenteeism, including transportation issues, childcare needs for siblings, housing insecurity, and lack of mental health and anti-bullying support. The public service campaign emphasizes the importance of both individual and school-wide support to address these challenges.
During the 2022-2023 school year, 99 percent of students enrolled in CIS programs remained in school through the end of the academic year; 97 percent of K-11 students were promoted to the next grade; and 96 percent of seniors graduated or received a GED.
CIS is expanding its model to more schools nationwide to help students overcome barriers to attendance. The organization’s integrated student supports model provides a structured path back to school for those facing various challenges. CIS site coordinators collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to connect students with essential resources.
This year marks a critical milestone for CIS as it provided services to over two million students across 3,460 schools nationwide.
Marco Mercado from CIS of Southern Nevada explained his approach: “I do my best to establish a relationship and rapport so they trust me with any information—whether personal or school-related,” he said. “Once they see they are capable of doing things, it keeps me going and gives me confirmation that I’m making an impact.”
For over 47 years, Communities In Schools has delivered vital resources ranging from mentoring and mental health support to academic enrichment and college readiness programs.
The “Being Present Matters” announcements were created in partnership with M&C Saatchi SS+K and will be featured across various media platforms. More information on how to support CIS can be found at communitiesinschools.org.
Communities In Schools ensures every student has what they need regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Working directly inside more than 3,000 schools across the country, CIS connects students with caring adults and community resources necessary for overcoming barriers between them and their educational success. Follow CIS news @cisnational on X or use #AllinforKids.