National Research: CIS Drives Economic Mobility, Long-term Success
Communities In Schools of Central Texas has always known that relationships and resources change lives. And, now, we have the data to prove it.
“When Resources Meet Relationships,” a groundbreaking study by Opportunity Insights in partnership with the EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, studied 16 million Texas students across 20 years and measured the long-term impact of CIS’ integrated students supports model.
The researchers found that students who receive CIS’ integrated supports are more likely to graduate, earn higher wages in adulthood, and break cycles of poverty for their families.
Personalization leads to academic success and academic mobility:
· Improved Test Scores: Middle schools with CIS see improvements in standardized test scores for struggling students.
· Higher Graduation Rates: Three years of CIS exposure raises high school graduation rates for students by 5.2%.
· Advances Economic Mobility: Three years of CIS exposure increases lifetime earnings by more than $75,000.
· Strong Return on Investment: Three years of CIS support—approximately $3,000 per student—generates $7,100 in additional
lifetime federal tax revenue.
CIS strengthens communities throughout Austin—and beyond.
Recently, State Rep. Brad Buckley, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson joined CIS to discuss the research—and what it means for our communities across Texas, as well as our region’s Raising Travis County and Generation ATX initiatives.
“Communities In Schools of Texas is an important asset for our public schools. The services they provide, but more importantly the relationships they build, increase graduation rates, lifetime earnings and change lives for the better. The increase in economic mobility creates a stronger Texas and better future for all of us.”
— State Rep. Brad Buckley, Texas House Public Education Committee Chair
Across Central Texas—and 124 schools in nine school districts—CIS shows up for students and for systems, walking alongside young people to remove barriers while partnering with schools and communities to ensure every student receives the holistic support they deserve.
Behind every data point is a student story.
The first longitudinal study linking a K-12 intervention to adult earnings outcomes affirms the impact of CIS’ student-centered approach—as well as the power of coordinating the right supports in the right place at the right time to change lives and strengthen communities.
As a teen parent, Chronika Winn said the road ahead felt uncertain. “Trying to raise a child—as a child—is one of the most difficult things you can do,” she said. But she was never alone. As a CIS student, she found hope and unwavering support through her mentor, Wilton Harris. Today, she’s a university administrator and a CIS board member—lifting up students as CIS once lifted her up.
Behind every data point in the research study is a student like Chronika—and a story of resilience and possibility.