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Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

In-school supports to prevent dropout

Overview

What does CIS of Eastern PA do? It surrounds students with a community of support inside public schools to prevent dropout and help them graduate. How does it work? Trained staff are placed in schools to work with teachers, counselors, and principals to coordinate a network of supports—school-wide, group, and individualized. Services include counseling, mentoring, tutoring, support for alternative education, after-school programs, career and college readiness, dropout reengagement, and referrals to community resources. How is it different from competitors? It integrates directly within schools through case-managed supports and a broad set of services across multiple counties, anchored in caring relationships and community partnerships to help at-risk students stay in school. What is its goal? To end the dropout epidemic and ensure every student graduates by improving attendance, reducing suspensions, and boosting academic outcomes.

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About Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

Simplify's Rating
Why Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Social ImpactEducation

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Allentown, PA

Founded

1983

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What believers are saying

  • The 2025-26 report highlights 99% retention and 87% grade promotion.
  • October 2026 promotions for Michael McCorristin and Robin Kulesa strengthen execution.
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha mentoring and six-school expansion broaden reach in 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Revenue depends on donor campaigns, making programs vulnerable to funding shocks.
  • Expansion into new counties strains staffing, training, and service quality control.
  • If fundraising slips, districts drop CIS and the embedded model breaks.

What makes Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania unique

  • Embedded in schools across Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Delaware, and Chester counties.
  • The 2025-26 report shows 99% retention and 87% grade promotion.
  • Mentorship, restorative practices, and scholarships create a full-stack student support model.

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Benefits

  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Company Match

Company News

Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania
Oct 9th, 2026
Champions for Education to honor United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and induct three local leaders into communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania's Leadership Circle.

Champions for Education to honor United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and induct three local leaders into communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania's Leadership Circle. Annual event recognizes community partners and leaders dedicated to supporting student success. Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) will host its annual Champions for Education celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeSales University Center in Center Valley. The event will recognize United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley with the Champions for Education Award and induct three new members into CIS of Eastern PA's Leadership Circle: Ed Baldrige, Ellen Kern and Tyler Papaz. CIS of Eastern PA's Champions for Education celebration honors the individuals, organizations and community partners who help create a network of support around students and families. Through collaboration, advocacy and partnership, these champions help ensure students have access to the resources and relationships they need to overcome barriers and succeed in school and beyond. During the event, CIS of Eastern PA will induct three new members into its Leadership Circle, which honors individuals who have provided transformational leadership and enduring support for CIS of Eastern PA's mission. The inductees include two former board presidents, Ed Baldrige and Tyler Papaz, along with Ellen Kern, a former board member. Through their leadership, advocacy, philanthropy and partnership, the inductees have each helped strengthen the network surrounding students and families across the region. "Ed, Ellen and Tyler have each played a central role in shaping CIS of Eastern PA into the organization it is today," said Tim Mulligan, president & CEO of CIS of Eastern PA. "Through their leadership, actions and dedication, they've not only strengthened our board and operations but have directly impacted the lives of thousands of students. It's an honor to recognize their contributions and welcome them into our Leadership Circle." Alongside the Leadership Circle induction, CIS of Eastern PA will present the Champions for Education Award to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The recognition highlights the role long-term nonprofit partnerships can play in expanding access to the resources, relationships and support systems students need to succeed in school and thrive beyond the classroom. "Student success is not achieved by one person or organization alone," said Mulligan. "It takes families, educators, nonprofits, businesses and community leaders working together to make sure students have the support systems they need. Champions for Education celebrates those partnerships and the people who continue to show up for young people every day." Presented by Olympus, Champions for Education will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeSales University Center.

PRLog
Jun 7th, 2023
Communities In Schools Of Eastern Pennsylvania Names 2023 Lifetime Champion Of Education Award Recipients

Dr. John Robert Lovett and wife Sandy, long-time supporters of CIS Eastern PA, will be honored with the achievement at the organization's October 40th anniversary celebration.By: Communities In Schools of Eastern PADr John Robert and Sandy LovettContactTina Hasselbusch***@socialtmarketing.comPhoto:https://www.prlog.org/ 12968310/1 Tina HasselbuschEnd-- Communities in Schools of Eastern PA (CISEasternPA)will honor Dr. John Robert (Bob) Lovett and his wife Sandy Lovett with the 2023 Lifetime Champion of Education Award on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Building Bright Futures 40th Anniversary Celebration. This award recognizes individuals for excellence in education services as well as support and collaboration with the organization.The Lovetts firmly believe in the importance and value of education and opportunities to succeed in school for children in Allentown. Their total donation to CISEasternPA over 21 years is approaching $400,000. Their continued commitment has been instrumental in keeping countless students in school and on track for graduation

PRLog
Feb 1st, 2023
Communities In Schools Of Eastern Pennsylvania Launches 40Th Anniversary Celebration

For the local affiliate, 2023 will be the year of Building Bright Futures' 40th Anniversary Campaign.By: Communities In Schools of Eastern PACoChairs Bill & Denise Spence Kathleen & JB ReillyContactTina Hasselbusch***@socialtmarketing.comPhoto:https://www.prlog.org/ 12949437/1 Tina HasselbuschEnd-- 2023 marks Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania's (CISEasternPA)40th year of providing support to the most at-risk elementary through high school students in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks Counties. The Building Brighter Futures 40th Anniversary Campaign seeks to sustain and expand its current programs, deepen relationships in the high-need school districts it serves, and cultivate new relationships with additional school districts in need.The celebration kicked off on Thursday, January 26, at Penn State Lehigh Valley, where over 130 guests of CISEasternPA helped launch the campaign."Over the past few years, new challenges for our students have emerged. Our 40th Anniversary is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the needs of our communities, and both deepen and strengthen our commitment to the students who need us most," stated Tim Mulligan, president and CEO of CISEasternPA. "Our campaign goal is to raise $750,000 this year, and I'm pleased to report the organization has already surpassed the half-million dollar threshold."Kathleen & J.B. Reilly (City Center Allentown) and Bill & Denise Spence (PPL) serve as co-chairs of the Building Bright Futures campaign. Ellen Millard-Kern, vice president for community engagement at Lehigh Valley Public Media and a CISEasternPA board member, has taken on the role of the 40th-anniversary committee chair

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