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Celebrating Our Team: A Day of Appreciation & Recognition
The mission of CIS of Eastern PA is powered by its people: dedicated professionals who show up every day to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed, both in school and in life. This June, staff from across our region gathered at Bear Creek Mountain Resort for our annual Staff Appreciation and Awards Celebration, a special occasion to reflect on the impact of the past year, celebrate milestones and recognize outstanding contributions from our teammates. The e

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 25


Helping Students Soar: CIS of Eastern PA and Alpha Kappa Alpha Launch Mentoring Partnership at EAMS
This school year, CIS of Eastern PA (CIS) proudly partnered with a new community organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), to launch a meaningful mentoring initiative at Easton Area Middle School (EAMS). Leaders from the local chapter, Alpha Gamma Phi Omega, approached CIS with a vision to support young women as they prepare for the important transition from middle school to high school. After learning more about the program’s goals, CIS leadership connect

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 12


When Mentorship Changes the Game: Armoni’s Story
For many students, challenges outside the classroom begin to shape what happens inside it. That was the case for Armoni, a member of the Class of 2026 at Easton Area High School. As the oldest of five in a household led by a determined single mother, she took on significant financial and familial responsibilities. The home, while very tight-knit, was also stressful and chaotic: a weight she carried with her to school. She lost sight of her interests and her identity as a you

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 11


Stories of Strength: Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
This May, Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) hosted our annual ‘Ready, Set, Graduate!’ celebrations, honoring more than 100 students across two ceremonies. As always, we were proud to celebrate not only the Class of 2026’s academic achievements, but also the resilience, perseverance and growth that led to this milestone. As part of the celebration, CIS of Eastern PA recognized four exceptional students through the presentation of the Joan Benne

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 2


From Setback to Success: Khaliq’s Story
At the end of Khaliq’s eighth-grade year, he was enjoying a typical summer evening with friends at a local basketball court when his life changed forever. Gunfire broke out on their walk home, striking Khaliq in the arm and leg. While the physical recovery was challenging, the emotional impact was more profound than Khaliq anticipated. The trauma affected his mental well-being, negatively impacting his school attendance and making his transition to high school feel nearly im

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
May 28


Building a Culture of Care Through Aevidum
For the past 10 years, CIS of Eastern PA has partnered with Aevidum to empower students at Easton Area High School to build a culture of kindness, connection, and mental health advocacy within their school community.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
May 22


Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Ready, Set, Graduate! Celebrates Over 100 Students in Two Ceremonies
The graduation ceremonies included scholarship presentations, a keynote address, and diploma presentations to the Class of 2026.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
May 22


Class of 2026: John’s Story
When John walked through the doors of Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School for the first time as a junior, he was stepping into an entirely new world.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
May 21


Donor Spotlight: Celebrating 22 Years of Partnership In Action with Capital Blue Cross!
We are thrilled to shine our donor spotlight on Capital Blue Cross, an incredible partner, whose loyalty and energy have fueled student success for an amazing 22 years.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Feb 23


When Relationships Remove Barriers: New Research Affirms the Impact of Communities In Schools in Eastern Pennsylvania
Hunger. Housing instability. Chronic absenteeism. Mental health challenges. A lack of consistent adult support. These challenges make it difficult for students to focus, engage, and fully benefit from the academic opportunities schools work hard to provide.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Feb 23


Communities in Schools of Eastern PA Strengthens Leadership Team With KeyPromotions
Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) announced the promotions of Michael McCorristin to chief operating officer, and Robin Kulesa to director of grants & foundation relations.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jan 29


From Surplus to Success: Five Below’s Impact on Students with CIS of Eastern PA
At Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA), we believe every student deserves the support they need to succeed—in school and in life. Thanks to incredible partners like Five Below, we’re turning that belief into reality for hundreds of students across our region. Five Below has stepped up in a big way by donating surplus items to our site coordinators, who work directly inside schools to connect students with resources. These items aren’t just “extr

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jan 13


Supporting Our Staff: A Look Inside CIS of Eastern PA’s Data and Evaluation Department
“I’m grateful every day that I’m given the freedom here to answer difficult questions, make predictions and ultimately ground our stories in evidence in service of our mission.”

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Dec 17, 2025


Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania Hosts a Successful Champions For Education Celebration
Three former board chairs, Michael Bruckner, Susan Larkin and Matt Sorrentino, were inducted into the nonprofit’s Leadership Circle.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Nov 14, 2025


Putting Students First: Why Pennsylvania Must Treat Integrated Supports as Essential Infrastructure in Education
As the school year begins, Pennsylvania faces a critical crossroads in education.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Sep 19, 2025


Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania to Induct 3 Former Board Chairs to its Leadership Circle at Champions For Education on Nov. 13
Michael Bruckner, Susan Larkin and Matt Sorrentino will be honored for the impact that they’ve made on the nonprofit’s growth.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Sep 11, 2025


"Supporting Our Staff: A Look Inside CIS of Eastern PA’s HR Department"
Tammy knows what it’s like to be on the frontlines. She joined CIS in 2012 as part of a Master of Social Work internship and later spent five years as a site coordinator, building relationships with students and families while helping them navigate barriers to success.

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Aug 22, 2025


Celebrating Our 2025 Scholarship Winners: A Bright Future Ahead
This May, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) proudly honored the graduating Class of 2025 during our...

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 25, 2025


Board Member Highlight: Hope Johnson
Hope Johnson, vice president of perioperative services at Lehigh Valley Health Network , has been a member of Communities In Schools of...

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 25, 2025


From Student to Community Leader: Mia Brings Juneteenth to Life in her hometown
At just 25 years old, Mia—an alumna of Communities In Schools (CIS) of Eastern Pennsylvania—is already making waves as a passionate...

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA
Jun 23, 2025
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