CISNT dropout prevention programs provide solutions to keeping at-risk students in school and ultimately reduce the incidence of dropping out of school. We believe that dropping out is not just a school problem, but also a community problem. Therefore, we believe that coordination of community services is essential to meeting the needs of at-risk youth—youth not only at risk of dropping out of school, but also other at-risk social issues including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, involvement with juvenile justice system and other negative social outcomes.

We deliver dropout prevention programs within Denton ISD, Lewisville ISD, Little Elm ISD and Northwest ISD. The programs are free of charge to students and their families. Students can be referred for CISNT services by various sources in the school, home or community (i.e., a teacher, parent, counselor, probation officer, peer, etc). Each prevention program is supervised by a full-time, degreed Program Manager that provides dropout prevention services to a mimimum of 100 at-risk students on each campus.

The hallmark of these dropout prevention programs is case management. Each Program Manager develops individual assessments of each student upon enrollment into the program outlining their needs. Based upon that assessment, a case management plan is developed for the student and their family to address the individual needs and ensure access to intensive services necessary to eliminate barriers to students’ academic success. Programming is designed accordingly to address areas of need and gaps in services. The following programs provide additional support and resources for case managed students:

School-based Mentoring program

Offers students the opportunity to spend an hour per week with a positive role model for academic assistance, guidance and self-esteem enhancement. This also provides the much needed socialization opportunity for second language learners.  CISNT Program Managers are located at the mentee's school full time and supports the weekly mentoring experience of the volunteer.

Saturday Connections Enrichment and Mentoring program

Offers case managed students 2 hours per week on Saturday at their school with mentors and volunteers to engage in developmental games, sports activities and mentoring relationships.  Saturday Connections is easily our most popular program with students and volunteers!

eMentoring program

Offers case managed students the opportunity to enhance their mentor relationship with communication the week via a secure web-based e-mentoring system, designed and owned by CISNT.  Our eMentoring program is used to supplement our school-based mentoring program and is a great way for CISNT students to learn technology while communicating with their mentor under the watchful eye of the CISNT Program Manager.

CISNT Homework Clubs

Designed to give socio-economically disadvantaged students a safe place to receive tutoring assistance before they leave the campus.  Volunteers supplement the academic support that our CISNT Program Managers give in our Homework Clubs by helping one on one or small groups of students complete their homework.

School Supplies

Provides needed school supplies to socio-economically disadvantaged students throughout the year.  Unfortunately, when CISNT is unable to generate donated school supplies, classroom teachers purchase school supplies for the economically disadvantaged students in their classroom.  We admire this level of dedication, but would much prefer that the community help our teachers by meeting this fundamental student need.

Dressed-to-Learn program

Partnership with the Lewisville ISD Council of PTA’s, provides school uniforms, clothing, underwear, socks, shoes, and coats to socio-economically disadvantaged students throughout the year.  PTA's across Lewisville ISD conduct drives for schools served by CISNT.

Sight for Students program

Partnership with VSP Insurance to provide free eye exams and glasses to any socio-economically disadvantaged student that lives in a family with an income up to 200% below the Federal poverty line.  Often, CISNT Program Managers are needed to transport students to the provider.  Unfortunately, not all CISNT students are eligible for the VSP Sight for Students program, so doctors and eye glasses providers who donate their services are always in need at CISNT.

Health Fair program

Provides socio-economically disadvantaged students and parent(s) access to information and healthcare providers such as free immunizations and vision screenings through a fun fair atmosphere at a CISNT school.  Community providers and businesses participate in these fun events.

College and Career Awareness program

Includes pre-employment activities, career days and other career awareness and job preparation pursuits for socio-economically disadvantaged students.  The highlight of the year for CISNT is our annual trip to the University of North Texas where over 800 CISNT students and their family members learn about college, scholarships and then attend a UNT basketball game free of charge as the guest of the UNT Athletic Department.

Summer program

Offered for two weeks in June to provide opportunities for these socio-economically disadvantaged students to participate in enrichment activities that they otherwise would not have an opportunity to experience.