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While many of us may take the education of our children for granted, for some Texas families, success in the classroom is often challenged by a lack of resources at home and at school. Organizations like Communities in Schools (CIS) of Texas help remove those barriers by providing critical student support services, academic resources and one-on-one guidance that empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities in Schools of Texas, discusses how the organization helps students overcome challenges through trauma-informed support, mental health resources, basic needs assistance and strong partnerships with educators and families. By placing site coordinators directly on school campuses, Communities in Schools helps ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Throughout the conversation, Vigil shares the research behind the Communities in Schools model, including studies from Harvard University that demonstrate improved graduation rates and long-term outcomes for students. She also explores the connection between childhood trauma and learning, explaining how Communities in Schools helps students build new pathways for success through safe, supportive relationships and positive experiences.