Communities In Schools believes that every child needs and deserves the  "FIVE BASICS";

1. A Personal, One on One Relationship with a Caring Adult

Children are impacted through the relationships they build with others. The people that positively effect their lives are crucial to their future success.

2. A Healthy Start and a Healthy Future

Children need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy to be successful in school and in life. Communities In Schools believes that every child has a right to medical care.

3. A Safe Place to Learn and Grow

Schools have to be more than buildings with classrooms.  They must be safe, nurturing environments for young minds and spirits. CIS works hard to help ensure that such an environment can be found both inside and outside the traditional school building.

4. A Marketable Skill to Use upon Graduation

Upon graduation, the success of young people is based upon not only academics, but also their abilities to apply tested and effective employment skills. Communities In Schools wants every youth that graduates to be ready for careers that count.

5. A Chance to Give Back to Peers and Community

Young people want to feel valued. Often times, they need a way to connect with their neighbors and realize that they have the ability to make a difference in their own communities. By giving back in their neighborhoods and towns, children and young adults acquire a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

 (c) 1992, William E. Milliken