For nearly 50 years, our work has been guided by the Five Basics —a foundational set of principles developed by Bill Milliken that reflect what every young person needs and deserves to thrive: a caring adult, a safe place, a healthy start, a marketable skill, and a chance to give back.
These principles have been expanded across four key systems—schools, families, communities, and organizations—ensuring that every student is surrounded by the relationships, environments, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Together with our mission and integrated student supports model, the Five Shared Principles guide our work, keep students at the center, and define our collective purpose—unlocking potential and creating pathways to a brighter future.
A caring adult is essential for everyone to experience success. CIS builds systems of support that connect students and families with trusted adults across schools, families, organizations, and communities. The goal is to make caring relationships consistent and accessible for everyone so that students can succeed.
A safe place goes beyond physical security to include emotional, cultural and psychological safety. CIS fosters this through practices that uplifts student, family, community, and staff voices, and creating safe environments for everyone. The goal is for everyone to feel respected, valued, and able to thrive.
A healthy start ensures students’ physical, emotional, and basic needs are met so they can learn and thrive. CIS connects students and their families to food, healthcare, and other essential resources and provides support that helps them build long-term resilience and confidence. CIS creates strong organizational health practices that fosters strong organizations and employee well-being.
A marketable skill combines abilities, confidence, and connections for future success. CIS supports this by linking education to real-world opportunities through internships, mentoring, and career exploration. The goal is to equip students with skills and access to thrive in the workforce and beyond. We work with families, alumni and our staff to foster strong leadership skills.
A chance to give back empowers students, families, and staff to lead, serve, and shape their schools, organizations, and communities. CIS provides opportunities for student leadership, peer mentoring, and service projects, ensuring students contribute meaningfully while developing skills, confidence, and a sense of ownership.
Watch CIS Founder Bill Milliken talk about the origin of the Five Basics.
See how Communities In Schools brings the Five Shared Principles to life.
As a middle school student, Zoe was very quiet and stayed to herself. Like many teenagers, self-esteem and anxiety are normal emotions on a daily basis. But for Zoe, the thought of going to school felt overwhelming.
Read more of A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar
CIS of Pennsylvania site coordinator Jeffrey Suarez identified the need for post-graduation planning programs and organized a career day that was a hit. Learn about the transformative power of community engagement and support programs in shaping student outcomes.
Read more of Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success
In November, Marco and Esteban were invited to attend CIS Nevada's annual fundraiser as guests and featured speakers. During the event, Esteban shared a beautiful speech about his experience in CIS, and as a CIS alum. CIS of Nevada also showcased their involvement in the “Being Present Matters” campaign and roles as the faces of the national PSA promotion.
Read more of Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA) activated an innovative partnership with York College eight years ago that targets younger students, connecting them with mentors and helping them gain exposure to the college experience.
Read more of CIS of Pennsylvania and York College Team Up to Create College Pathways
“I never thought I’d make it to graduation," Andrea said. "School just wasn’t for me. But Mr. Walker changed everything."
Read more of Andrea's Connection Leads to TurnaroundSign up to receive our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at CIS National and across our network.
