Students from households whose family income falls below the poverty line, as well as those who are experiencing homelessness, face significant barriers to succeeding in school, including high dropout rates. 

Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA) is stepping up to help meet the needs of at-risk students and their families.  

CISPA is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, bringing services into public schools to support students, families and teachers. In the York City School District, a WellSpan Inspire Grant significantly contributes to this effort. 

Last year, WellSpan supported 66 impact-driven initiatives aligned with the WellSpan Community Health Improvement Plan. 

“Many children are faced daily with circumstances beyond their control, and helping them succeed in life is not something a standardized approach will fix. It takes a comprehensive, individualized approach,” said Julia Kint, community grants program administrator at WellSpan Health. “Through our grant, CISPA works towards creating a healthy community by addressing a student's needs beyond school related issues and giving them a stronger chance toward lifelong wellness.” 

CISPA’s programming combats students’ struggles by providing them with holistic wraparound services focused on removing non-academic barriers, such as housing, health, mental health, hunger and behavior. WellSpan’s grant will help the organization impact more than 5,800 individuals. 

“When students are healthy, safe and supported, they are more likely to succeed academically,” said Lindsay Swartz, director of institutional giving at CISPA. “We believe that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. By addressing barriers to education and creating a nurturing environment where students can focus on their growth and goals, they will be more likely to have everything they need to graduate and lead fulfilling lives.” 

Founded in 1994, the nonprofit has grown to serve 30 individual schools in 12 school districts in Pennsylvania. Site coordinators work with and integrate into schools for the year, conducting in-depth needs assessments and collaborating with staff to develop a school support plan. This plan outlines specific goals for the school, staff and students, which coordinators focus on implementing throughout the school year and beyond until all needs are met. They help determine what resources are available and connect families to those services.  

The result is overall healthier students, families and communities. Schools experience increased attendance, more academic achievement and higher graduation rates.  

One example of support CISPA is providing to McKinley PreK-8 School through the program includes Adolescent Feminine Health celebrations – helping girls feel more educated and confident when it comes to their menstrual cycles. The goal was to eliminate the shame and embarrassment associated with normal, healthy development. Students were given a snack as they decorated hygiene kits and played “Feminine Health Jeopardy.” 

Out of the 191 students in attendance at the 17 celebrations held, 86% shared that they learned something new.  

"The feminine health sessions are very important for our students because they often do not receive this information in school or at home and have to figure it out on their own,” said Shayla Kearse, social worker at McKinley PreK-8 School.  “The girls were very grateful to have open and honest conversations about their experiences and what to expect, making them more comfortable with themselves. We can’t thank CISPA enough for their support." 

 “We’re so grateful to WellSpan for their generous support of our work in the York community,” said Lindsay. “Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, and that support is vital for them. When these students win, everyone wins.”