AUSTIN, Texas – As schools across Central Texas prepare for one of the most challenging academic years in recent history, many are doing so with fewer resources to support students facing mental health challenges, chronic absenteeism, housing instability and other barriers to learning. Communities In Schools of Central Texas is launching Refuse to Lose, a community-wide campaign to keep in-school student support on 110 campuses for the 2026-2027 school year.
While reductions in public education funding forced many Central Texas schools to reduce or eliminate Communities In Schools programming, several principals found funding within their own campus budgets. Communities In Schools of Central Texas committed to preserving services on these campuses and is now asking the Central Texas community to help raise the remaining $325,000 by August 31.Thanks to a generous matching donor, every contribution made during the campaign will be doubled.
In-School Student Support
Across Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Elgin ISD, Harmony Public Schools, Hays CISD, Lockhart ISD, Manor ISD, San Marcos CISD, and Taylor ISD, Communities In Schools of Central Texas helps students overcome barriers by connecting them with caring adults, essential resources, and individualized support. From mental health counseling and basic needs assistance to attendance support and postsecondary planning, Communities In Schools ensures students have someone in their corner when they need it most.
New national research from Harvard and Cornell found that students who participated in Communities In Schools for 3 years experienced higher test scores, higher graduation rates and higher lifetime earnings. When barriers such as financial hardship, housing instability or mental health challenges threaten a student’s path forward, program managers help ensure they have access to the support they need to succeed. More information about Communities in Schools of Central Texas can be found at https://ciscentraltexas.org/.
