CIS National Conference

First Lady Laura Bush kicked off Communities In Schools’ (CIS) national conference in Atlanta early November during a luncheon that hosted over 1,000 attendees from the education, corporate, public policy, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. As a former educator, Mrs. Bush said she understands that CIS’ work is important and needed to ensure kids are successful in school. “Today, CIS is ingrained in the fiber of public education in my home state of Texas, as well as other states and the president and I have been supporters of CIS for many years, dating back to when the president was the governor of Texas. There is no organization quite like CIS. No one else has the broad reach, deep penetration and impressive research-based results,” said Mrs. Bush.

The four-day conference brought CIS staff from around the country, and as far as Alaska, together to share ideas and best practices. Experts participated in numerous panels and provided information to help increase the network’s effectiveness as they work with youth to increase the graduation rates and prepare students for life.