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About CIS
At CIS, we believe that every student, regardless of race, gender, ability, zip code or socioeconomic background should have what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond.
How We Do It
Our evidence-based model connects students to caring adults and community resources to transform how they see and experience the world around them. By surrounding them with a network of trust they can turn to no matter where they are in their journey, we empower students to confront and overcome personal challenges and structural barriers—so they can take charge of the future they want for themselves, their communities and each other.
Why It Matters
In everything we do, we are building a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to shaping an equitable path to education for future generations.
Bill Milliken founded CIS in the 1970s while working with students in New York City. He came up with the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools—where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable.
“It’s relationships, not programs, that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”
-Bill Milliken
Our History
CIS of Randolph County started in 1989 as a community effort of the Archdale-Trinity Chamber to help the students in 9 local schools. The organization hired its first executive director, Glen Davenport, in 2001. Sandi Norman was hired in 2004 as the new director and under her direction, the organization expanded to serve all of Randolph County.
In 2006, the 5 schools in Randleman and the 9 schools Eastern area of Randolph were added. In 2007, another 8 schools located in the southwest area of Randolph were added. Finally, in 2008, we expanded to include all 8 Asheboro City Schools.
In August 2015, a new director, Paula Owens was hired.
CISRC achieved its National Accreditation in 2011 and has been reaccredited in 2014 and 2018.
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