At Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, we often talk about the power of showing up for students. Now, groundbreaking national research is confirming what our staff, schools, and families have long known; When students are surrounded by caring adults and connected to the right supports, their futures change in measurable, life-changing ways.

A recent study conducted by Opportunity Insights in partnership with the EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that the Communities In Schools model significantly improves long-term outcomes for students facing the greatest barriers to success.

The research examined the impact of Communities In Schools’ integrated student support model, the same model used every day by CIS affiliates across the country, including here in southeastern North Carolina. The study demonstrates that CIS’ relationship-driven approach, refined over nearly 50 years, drives outcomes that shape students’ future lives, including:  

  • Improved standardized test scores for struggling students 
  • Substantial gains in high school graduation and college enrollment. Three years of CIS exposure raises high school graduation rates for students by 5.2% and two-year college enrollment by 9.1% 
  • Advanced economic mobility. Three years of CIS exposure increases earnings at age 27 by 4.3% ($1,140) annually, translating to more than $75,000 in additional lifetime earnings
  • Strong return on public investment. Three years of CIS support—approximately $3,000 per student—generates $7,100 in lifetime federal tax revenue, yielding a $2.36 return for every dollar invested 

The study focused on students considered “high-risk,” including young people experiencing challenges such as chronic absenteeism, low academic performance, or behavioral concerns. Researchers found that personalized, relationship-driven support made a lasting difference not only in school performance, but in students’ long-term economic mobility and future opportunities.

For CIS Cape Fear, these findings are deeply meaningful because they reflect the work happening inside our schools every single day.

Across New Hanover and Pender counties, CIS Student Support Specialists build trusted relationships with students, helping them navigate barriers both inside and outside the classroom. Sometimes that support looks like tutoring or attendance interventions. Other times, it means helping a family access food, mental health resources, school supplies, transportation, or simply providing a consistent adult presence a student can rely on.

The research reinforces academic success is connected to far more than academics alone. When students feel seen, supported, and connected, they are more likely to attend school regularly, stay engaged in learning, graduate, and pursue meaningful opportunities beyond high school. Those outcomes strengthen not only individual students, but entire communities.

Every student deserves the chance to realize their full potential, regardless of their zip code or life circumstances. This research is a powerful reminder that investing in students today creates stronger schools, stronger families, and a stronger future for all of us.

To learn more about the national research on economic mobility and Communities In Schools, visit Communities In Schools National.