Communities in Schools Creates New PATHS to College

Communities In Schools of Central Texas is going to college!

For almost 40 years, CIS has collaborated with school communities throughout the region to empower students to stay in school and on the path to success.

CIS serves more than 64,000 K-12 students—including providing individual case management services for more than 8,400 students—offering critical behavioral and mental health services, academic support, and attendance monitoring to help students reach the goal of earning a high school diploma.

CIS students have higher graduation rates, compared to averages for the region and state. And, the increases are larger when comparing CIS graduation rates to state and regional averages among Black and Hispanic students, as well as students from economically disadvantaged households.

Now, CIS is excited to be bringing our effective, evidence-based case management model to support students at Austin Community College.

While high school graduation is important, CIS also knows that a post-secondary credential is increasingly necessary for young adults to embark on a career and achieve financial stability. CIS’ high school programming includes helping students access post-secondary programs like ACC.

And, ACC has worked to lower barriers to entry, as well as greatly increase support and services for students on campus. However, ACC also realizes some students may need additional support to access these resources.

With the support of Sooch Foundation, CIS and ACC are collaborating to create the Providing Access to Holistic Supports (PATHS) program. PATHS picks up the baton from CIS’ high school programming to offer holistic case management services to students at three ACC campuses.

Through PATHS, college-based program managers will offer direct services to ACC students, while also acting as navigators to help students connect to the supportive resources and programs at the college.

Complementing the direct service and navigation support, the PATHS program also will help students build peer, near-peer, and professional networks that are crucial for success in the post-secondary space and beyond.

In 2025-26, CIS and ACC are excited to begin programming at three area campuses: Hays, Highlands and Riverside. PATHS will help young adults at ACC persist and complete a post-secondary credential, helping them stay on the path to a financially stable, successful career.

Being “All in for Kids” drives CIS’ work throughout Central Texas. And, ACC invites students to “Start Here.” to “Get There.” Together, the regional leaders will help our students continue to explore, learn, and achieve—with support every step of the way.