Volunteers from all walks of life have contributed countless hours to making a difference in the lives of children. During this school year alone, nearly 1,200 volunteers have helped CIS in its mission to connect kids and their families to the resources necessary for them to successfully prepare for life. Current trends indicate that youth volunteers are increasing. In our case, kids are helping kids. One of our most successful kinds of partnerships is with the universities in the Wichita area.
College students are excellent role models for many of our kids.
Mentoring programs at Friends University match more than 100 Friends students with elementary students involved in CIS, and Friends' education department coordinates a tutoring program at CIS sites all over town. Many students tutor more than one semester. Social work students at Newman University and Wichita State University also give their time to CIS students. Both universities are also involved in a new CIS initiative, Team Up for Kids, that provides local collegiate and professional athletes to serve as tutors and mentors for CIS students. Students at four CIS elementary schools also benefit from a partnership between CIS and the WSU School of Nursing, which brings nursing students into the schools to do health presentations focusing on topics such as hand washing, nutrition, exercise and dental care.