Featured Image: Tim Mulligan, president of CIS of Eastern PA
Annual event recognizes community partners and leaders dedicated to supporting student success.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Oct. 8, 2026) — Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) will host its annual Champions for Education celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeSales University Center in Center Valley. The event will recognize United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley with the Champions for Education Award and induct three new members into CIS of Eastern PA’s Leadership Circle: Ed Baldrige, Ellen Kern and Tyler Papaz.
CIS of Eastern PA’s Champions for Education celebration honors the individuals, organizations and community partners who help create a network of support around students and families. Through collaboration, advocacy and partnership, these champions help ensure students have access to the resources and relationships they need to overcome barriers and succeed in school and beyond.
During the event, CIS of Eastern PA will induct three new members into its Leadership Circle, which honors individuals who have provided transformational leadership and enduring support for CIS of Eastern PA’s mission. The inductees include two former board presidents, Ed Baldrige and Tyler Papaz, along with Ellen Kern, a former board member. Through their leadership, advocacy, philanthropy and partnership, the inductees have each helped strengthen the network surrounding students and families across the region.
“Ed, Ellen and Tyler have each played a central role in shaping CIS of Eastern PA into the organization it is today,” said Tim Mulligan, president & CEO of CIS of Eastern PA. “Through their leadership, actions and dedication, they’ve not only strengthened our board and operations but have directly impacted the lives of thousands of students. It’s an honor to recognize their contributions and welcome them into our Leadership Circle.”
Alongside the Leadership Circle induction, CIS of Eastern PA will present the Champions for Education Award to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The recognition highlights the role long-term nonprofit partnerships can play in expanding access to the resources, relationships and support systems students need to succeed in school and thrive beyond the classroom.
“Student success is not achieved by one person or organization alone,” said Mulligan. “It takes families, educators, nonprofits, businesses and community leaders working together to make sure students have the support systems they need. Champions for Education celebrates those partnerships and the people who continue to show up for young people every day.”
Presented by Olympus, Champions for Education will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeSales University Center.
Learn more by visiting: www.ciseasternpa.org/champions
About Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania
Started in 1983, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is part of the Communities In Schools national network, which consists of independent 501(c)(3) organizations serving over 2 million students in 29 states and the District of Columbia. With caring adults serving over 41,000 students in 36 schools throughout Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton counties, the CIS mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We believe in the incredible potential in every student, and we work tirelessly to unlock it.
For more information, visit www.ciseasternpa.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Grace Levy
