says Marcus, a graduating senior at Edward H. White High School who has been part of Communities In Schools of Jacksonville (CIS Jax) throughout his time there.

He proudly stands beside CIS Jax Career & Military Specialist Mr. Jackson, who has supported him every step of the way by providing professional attire, building his confidence, and preparing him for the BIG DAY: an internship interview with W.W. Gay.

Thanks to that support and guidance, Marcus not only secured the internship but was also offered an apprenticeship after graduation. He is excited to learn all things electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

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With your support, this is what we can continue to accomplish together!

The Shrimp Gameday Operations Team shared advice with our high schoolers on how to start gaining experience for various career opportunities across the sports industry.

Interview skills and business etiquette are central to preparing students for future success. Thanks to local community members volunteering as interviewers, students across our high schools are practicing in realistic interview settings and receiving real-time feedback to strengthen their readiness. Interested in volunteering for mock interviews at Westside High School on April 28th? Email us here.

A big shoutout to our amazing literacy day volunteers over the last few months, including groups from GuideWell and TD Bank. Your time and dedication help students grow as confident readers.

Members of our alumni network joined CIS AmeriCorps Literacy Tutors at Rufus E. Payne Elementary to help clean and organize, preparing the space for more students.

For more than 25 years, we’ve proudly hosted our annual oratorical competition, and this year was no exception. These students are our inspiration!

Program runs June 8 - July 16

There will be something for everyone:

health screenings, family resources, kid-friendly games/entertainment, and more

Paddles for Tassels Pickleball Tournament is officially open for registration! Join us Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9 AM–1 PM at Chipshot on Atlantic Boulevard for fun, food, and friendly competition for the whole family. 

Enjoy a beginner clinic, mixed doubles round-robin tournament, yard and arcade games, golf simulators, delicious bites from Strings Brewery, and more.

All proceeds help students across 37 Duval County Public Schools stay on track to graduate through our vital support programs. Come play, connect, and make a difference!

Are you part of a group, corporate team, church, civic organization, or other community group? Schedule a Literacy Day for your members! Ideal for groups of 10–20 people.

We work to ensure students have what they need to succeed in school and life. Our wish lists highlight their most urgent needs.

purchases are tax-deductible

Last year, we launched an ambitious $3.5 million fundraising campaign to establish The Leon Baxton Legacy Fund. We’ve made great progress so far, reaching almost $1.6 million, and we expect to pass the $2 million milestone this summer, but we need your help now more than ever!

Standardized testing is just around the corner. Our Director of Case Management, Twilla Washington, joined WJXT to share practical tips to help students tackle test prep with confidence.

4 out of 5 hiring managers say today’s high school graduates are not ready for the workforce. Learn how CIS Jax equips students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed after graduation.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our incredible colleague and friend, Dr. Kris Larsen. “Doc,” as most of us knew him, dedicated the past 13.5 years to supporting students through the Bridge to Success program. Before joining CIS, he retired after a long and impactful career with Duval County Public Schools.

Doc was instrumental in the creation of TEAM UP and wrote the first successful GEAR UP grant in DCPS history. His passion for students was unmatched, and he was never one to stop when the school day ended, if it meant helping a student access the tools and opportunities they needed to succeed.

He was a constant encourager and everyone’s biggest cheerleader. His legacy will live on through the thousands of students and educators he uplifted throughout his career. Rest easy, Doc.