Local nonprofit to provide free afterschool programs to more than 800 Denton ISD and Lewisville ISD students
In its 30th year of service in North Texas, Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) has been preliminarily awarded by the Texas Education Agency to receive nearly $10 million in federal funding to operate 10 school-based afterschool programs over the next five years. The purpose of the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is to support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic and enrichment opportunities, during out-of-school time for students attending high-poverty, low-performing schools.
CISNT’s Texas Afterschool Centers on Education, or ACE programs, will align with school-day learning to build on students’ knowledge and skills through academic support, high-impact tutoring, student interest-based enrichment, and family engagement. Programs provide a safe space where students are able to continue applying what they learn during the school day through interactive clubs and projects. Through the utilization of students’ voices in activity design and ongoing partnership with school staff, CISNT ACE programs promote increased school attendance and engagement and foster strong academic growth. 
CISNT surveyed more than 3,300 North Texas students, parents, educators, and community members when designing the program last fall. Parents expressed that having a safe place for their child after school is a critical need, but the affordability of programs is often a major barrier to access. Of school staff and community members surveyed, 67% shared that current afterschool programs were inadequate to meet the needs of students and families.
CISNT’s Chief Executive Officer, Tasha Moore, shares, “CISNT ACE Programs are designed in collaboration with campus leadership to specifically address the unique needs of families, including providing solutions to barriers such as affordability and transportation.” In direct response to the needs of working families, CISNT will provide ACE programs at no cost to the student or family, as well as free dinner for all participants and free bussing home from program daily.
“We appreciate Communities In Schools of North Texas seeking the grant from the Texas Education Agency to operate the ACE program on five of our Lewisville ISD campuses,” Lewisville ISD Superintendent, Dr. Lori Rapp, shares. “The programs provided by CISNT are essential for achieving and maintaining the high four-year graduation rate LISD has for students. These programs ensure our students who need additional support stay on track with their learning and are able to graduate on time. LISD and CISNT have enjoyed a long standing partnership that provides critical resources for students who are in need of additional systems of support. I am proud to serve as a CISNT volunteer through the student mentor program and Board Member.”
CISNT ACE programs will be available to students at 11 high-need campuses in Denton County, including:
- Denton ISD:
- Alice Moore Alexander Elementary
- Catherine Bell Elementary
- Hodge Elementary
- Calhoun Middle School
- Strickland Middle School
- Rodriguez Middle School
- Lewisville ISD:
- Central Elementary (Programming located at Mill Street EL)
- Lewisville Elementary
- Mill Street Elementary
- Peters Colony Elementary
- Huffines Middle School
Programs begin on Monday, August 21. Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their child can contact info@cisnt.org. Community members interested in volunteering to support these programs can learn more about opportunities at https://cisnt.org/volunteer or contact volunteer@cisnt.org.
About Communities In Schools of North Texas
The mission of Communities In Schools of North Texas is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Working together with school staff, parents, nonprofit partners, and community leaders, CISNT ensures every student has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. CISNT offers multiple ways for community members to get involved, including events, volunteer opportunities, and job opportunities.
