(Arlington, VA, Thursday, April 9, 2020) – Thousands of schools across America have closed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. While it is a sound decision from a public health perspective, these closures will have longer and more significant effects on millions of students whose families already confront economic and social inequalities.

Communities In Schools (CIS) professionals work inside schools in some of the most challenged communities in America and know that many of the students they support may not be able to take advantage of remote learning materials because they do not have connectivity at home.

Parents may not have transportation to pick up meals that schools provide offsite for students and they may also have more difficulty getting some of the needed resources, such as access to laundry facilities, medical and dental care or basic hygiene materials.

As social distancing becomes a necessity, students who cope with trauma or anxiety might not be able to obtain some of the counseling or mental health services they depend upon.

Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to empowering at-risk students to stay in school and on a path to a brighter future. Working directly inside more than 2,300 schools across the country, CIS connects kids to caring adults and community resources designed to help them succeed. The organization does whatever it takes to ensure that all kids, regardless of the challenges they may face, have what they need to realize their potential.