President Jimmy Carter's Transformative Impact on Communities In Schools
President Jimmy Carter's Transformative Impact on Communities In Schools
President Jimmy Carter’s legacy is defined by his deep commitment to humanitarian work, which often takes center stage when reflecting on his remarkable life. However, one of his most profound, albeit lesser-known, contributions was his role in helping Communities In Schools (CIS) grow into the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization. His support, combined with Bill Milliken’s vision, helped create a national network that reaches millions of students annually, offering vital resources and ensuring young people stay in school and succeed.
Faith and a Vision for Change: How a Grassroots Movement Became a National Force
Bill Milliken’s journey with Communities In Schools began long before he met Jimmy Carter. By 1974, Bill and his colleagues had crafted a model designed to prevent school dropouts by surrounding students with a community of wraparound support. This approach offered students the tools they needed to succeed, all rooted in Bill’s deeply held belief that meaningful relationships, not just programs, create lasting change in children.
The CIS model was ready for expansion, but scaling it required state-level support. That’s when grace—and perhaps a bit of providence—stepped in. Dr. Wayne Smith, a missionary and advisor to then-Governor Jimmy Carter, heard about their work and saw its potential. He also knew Governor Carter’s values and commitment to underserved communities aligned perfectly with CIS’s mission. Smith facilitated a meeting between the two.
Carter, known for his unwavering faith and commitment to service, immediately recognized the transformative potential of Bill’s work. His support provided the credibility and momentum necessary to take the concept beyond Georgia, laying the groundwork for what would become a national movement.
A National Network with Lasting Impact
Communities In Schools now operates in over 2,500 schools across the United States, reaching more than 1.8 million students each year. Through partnerships with educators, community leaders, and families, CIS provides essential resources—mentoring, mental health support, and basic needs assistance—to students at risk of dropping out. This proven model of integrated student support has changed countless lives.
The national impact of CIS might not have been possible without Carter’s early support, which helped transform a grassroots idea into a nationwide network. For Bill, this collaboration wasn’t something you could map out or orchestrate. It felt more like a response to God’s invitation to do good work than a planned strategy.
Good People Just Seem to Find Each Other
The partnership between Jimmy Carter and Bill Milliken stands as a testament to the power of shared values. Their meeting was far more than coincidence; it was the alignment of two lives dedicated to service. By the grace of God, good people just seem to find one another. This partnership, deeply rooted in faith and service, catalyzed a movement that has shaped the lives of millions of students across generations.
President Jimmy Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his presidency, touching every aspect of his work as a champion for the poor and marginalized. His support for CIS is just one example of his lifelong dedication to building equitable systems and creating opportunities for all. And for Bill, the journey of Communities In Schools remains a testament to the power of faith, vision, and collaboration—a response to a higher calling that continues to change lives.
I am deeply grateful for visionaries like President Carter and Bill Milliken, whose collaboration transformed countless lives. Their work inspires us to continue the mission of ensuring every student has the opportunity to be successful.
As a former board member of Communities In Schools of Virginia and a current board member of CIS of Appalachian Highlands, I have witnessed the power of the CIS model in addressing needs across our Commonwealth of Virginia and in my own home of Southwest Virginia. President Carter and Bill Milliken's partnership enriched lives and communities, showcasing faith in action and leaving a lasting legacy of service for future generations.
Godspeed, President Carter, and may your legacy live on among all of us who have benefited from a life well lived.
Bibliography
Milliken, Bill. From the Rearview Mirror: Reflecting on Connecting the Dots. Hay House, 2012.
Milliken, Bill. The Last Dropout: Stop the Epidemic!. Hay House, 2007.