Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago

The smiles say it all! Our Inspiring Futures field trips help students envision their futures. This month, Jackson hosted CIS students for a visit, where young people had the opportunity to tour the Jackson space, learn more about careers there, and chat with Jackson professionals about their own career goals. Thank you, Jackson, for inspiring our students through this unique experience. #beingpresentmatters #allinforkids

Our Chief Partnership Engagement Officer Robin Koelsch met last month with the violence prevention team, which explores strategies that provide students with a strong sense of school belonging and safety. We appreciate our community and school partners dedicated to this work, including Together Chicago, Chicago Public Schools Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, and more!

Dr. Judith Allen first learned about Mental Health First Aid a decade ago. For her, the program responded to a clear need. Most people knew how to respond when someone was having a heart attack or at least knew how to call for help. But most could not recognize when someone was struggling mentally, let alone feel confident enough to sound the alarm. Her experience with Mental Health First Aid spans geographical areas, as well as a range of youth needs, but what has remained consistent is the importance of relationships. Mental Health First Aid is designed for any adult that interacts with children; all it takes is having the relationship to sense when something is off kilter. Learn more about the course -- and why it's critical for any Chicagoan to become certified -- in our latest Medium piece here: https://lnkd.in/gwYC4EAQ

CIS’ Mr. Thomas and Ms. Woods led students through an identity activity recently, where they created collages from magazine clippings and explored aspects of themselves that are unique to them!

Our Partnership Team connects schools with community programs and resources that help students stay in school. In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, our partnership specialists are connecting schools with programs, such as: -- A field trip to the American Writers Museum, where students can learn about prominent and influential women writers throughout American history. -- A STEM chat with a female scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. -- CareerSpring's video library, featuring hundreds of real-world professionals explaining their jobs in ways you have always wanted to hear. -- A field trip to the Chicago History Museum, where students can check out exhibits such as Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s and Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective. -- A program through the Pulitzer Center, which highlights women grantees across climate and earth, global health, peace and conflict, human rights, and information and AI. -- And more! Check out our full list of community partners here: https://lnkd.in/gZsY5u2g

We're #hiring a new SCHOOL-BASED SEL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TEAM MEMBER (Student Supports Manager) in Chicago, Illinois. Apply today or share this post with your network.

This spring, students at one of our Southwest Side schools were able to explore a variety of career paths, with help from Ms. Herrera, the CIS school-based supports manager there. Ms. Herrera connected students with several CIS community partners, including Junior Achievement of Chicago, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Bright Financial, Shedd Aquarium, Rush University, Chicago AHEC, Argonne National Laboratory, and the University of Illinois Chicago. Fifth through eighth graders benefitted from the presentations, discovering unique professions and learning about the career journeys of individuals in their community.

Thanks to the Chicago Department of Transportation for visiting one of our CIS schools to engage second graders in walking safety lessons! First, they presented a classroom lesson and then they led students in an experiential walking tour to apply their knowledge. 🛑👀👟

💗 March is #WomensHistoryMonth, a time to celebrate remarkable women who've shaped our society in the past and present 💡 At Communities In Schools, we empower the young women we serve to show up for themselves, build self-confidence, and embrace their full potential ✨

We're #hiring a new Director of Annual Giving in Chicago, Illinois. Apply today or share this post with your network.