Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS), the state’s leading evidence-based stay-in-school and wraparound student support organization announced a $501,000 donation from Nevada Gold Mines (NGM)operated by Barrick. This investment supports CIS’ programming during the 2024-25 school year across 17 elementary, middle, and high schools in Clark, Elko, Humboldt, and Washoe Counties, impacting nearly 21,000 students.
NGM’s ongoing partnership has contributed more than $4.8 million over the past 15 years and marks the third year NGM increased funding to support CIS, ensuring more students have the support they need to succeed in and outside of school.
NGM’s donation supports CIS initiatives which includes:
- Direct case management and schoolwide services including tutoring, attendance support, and basic needs like food, clothing, and hygiene items. The donation enables CIS to provide custom wraparound services, our Integrated Student Supports model to approximately 13,000 students in Clark County, 3,900 students in Elko County, 2,600 students in Humboldt County, and 1,300 students in Washoe County.
- Telehealth counseling for students in Elko and Humboldt counties who lack access to in-person mental health care. In the 2024–25 school year, 111 students received 1,696 hours of counseling through a partnership with UNLV’s The PRACTICE: A Community Mental Health Clinic. Over the past 12 years, UNLV’s PRACTICE and CIS of Nevada have collaborated to deliver tailored interventions to adolescents and young adults in these rural communities. Services are evidence-based, research-driven, and aimed at preventing mental illness, boosting emotional resilience, and improving educational, social, and occupational outcomes;
- Workforce development and career exposure with NGM’s program offered in CIS’ Alumni programming and Academy Classes, which connect students and alumni with high-wage, entry-level career pathways in mining and manufacturing.
“This continued investment for wraparound services inside schools and innovative partnerships to enhance mental health access and career readiness is transforming thousands of students’ and families lives throughout Nevada,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and State Director of Communities In Schools of Nevada. “CIS programming looks different from school to school, because student needs are not one-size-fits-all,” added Hance-Lehr. “Our site coordinators meet students where they are—helping identify and remove the specific barriers they face, so they can stay in school, improve their grades, find their passions and graduate career or college ready. We are grateful that Nevada Gold Mines believes in our mission.”
CIS’ evidence-based model is founded on the premise that removing roadblocks to learning helps students to reach their potential and stay in school.
“Nevada Gold Mines is honored to continue our role as a longtime partner of Communities In Schools of Nevada,” said Jennifer Jonas, Manager of Native American and Community Affairs for Nevada Gold Mines. “We believe every student deserves the chance to thrive. By investing in students today, we’re helping build stronger communities and a more resilient workforce for Nevada’s future.”
Final graduation data for the 2024–25 school year is in progress, but early results are showing strong momentum. In 2023–24, CIS of Nevada achieved a 97% graduation rate for case-managed, graduation-eligible high school seniors—a record for the organization. In the 2024-25 school year, CIS served 120 more seniors than the previous year, and early indicators suggest similarly strong outcomes across the board.
“These outcomes couldn’t happen without the support of partners like the Nevada Gold Mines,” said Hance-Lehr.
This donation, which represents more than 2% of CIS of Nevada’s $24 million statewide budget, helps ensure the organization can maintain its current footprint of 117 high-needs schools while continuing to scale impact.
