Communities In Schools of South Carolina, a statewide nonprofit organization connecting students to critical resources and relationships, has been awarded a South Carolina Top Workplaces 2026 honor by Integrated Media Publishing.
The award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, an employee engagement technology partner. The confidential survey measures the employee experience and its component themes, including whether employees feel respected and supported, enabled to grow and empowered to execute.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from the voices of our team,” said Jamie Cooper, president and CEO of CISSC. “We have been intentional about building a culture where people feel supported, valued and deeply connected to purpose. That culture shows up every day in the work we do with students, schools and communities across South Carolina. I am incredibly proud of our team and the impact we are building together.”
As one of the state’s leading student support organizations, CISSC works alongside schools and community partners to surround students with the relationships, resources and opportunities they need to stay in school and succeed in life. The organization’s people-first culture reflects its broader mission of creating supportive environments where both students and staff can thrive.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure employees have a voice and are heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Across South Carolina, many students face significant challenges outside the classroom that can affect attendance, academic performance and long-term success. CISSC works directly inside schools to help address those challenges by connecting students and families to community resources, supportive relationships and individualized support.
According to CIS national and statewide data, CIS-supported students are 99% more likely to stay in school, and national data shows a $260,000 lifetime earnings gap between students who drop out and those who graduate.
By keeping students in school and on a path to graduation, CISSC is not only changing individual lives but also strengthening South Carolina’s workforce, economy and communities.
This recognition reaffirms the importance of CISSC’s contribution to its employees, donors and the students and communities it serves.
For more information, visit cisofsc.org, energage.com or topworkplaces.com.