The Clubs of Kingwood saw more than just perfect drives and birdies on October 2, 2024—Houston’s future got a little brighter thanks to the generosity of the 31st Annual Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament (HCGT). This record-breaking event raised an astonishing $4 million for local nonprofits, and one of the most deserving recipients of these funds was Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), which received a hearty donation of $52,460 to continue its vital work.

A Hole-in-One for Houston's Youth

CIS of Houston, one of the 28 nonprofits selected to benefit from the tournament, is no stranger to making a difference. Their mission? To keep kids in school, engaged, and on the path to graduation. Through this generous donation, CIS will have even more resources to provide academic, social, mental health, and referral services to students from Pre-K through community college. 

Lisa Descant, CEO of CIS Houston, expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful to our long-time partner, Halliburton, and the participants and sponsors of the Charity Golf Tournament for this substantial donation. These funds will greatly enhance our ability to provide students with access to the support they need, especially in areas that go beyond the traditional classroom.”

 Student Support Manager with student 

Driving Success: CIS’s Impact on Houston Schools

This school year, CIS is serving a whopping 135 schools across the Greater Houston area, including public and charter schools, as well as Lone Star College campuses. With a dedicated staff member embedded in each of these schools, CIS offers a full suite of services to help students break down barriers—whether academic, emotional, or financial—that stand between them and a diploma. The program's success speaks for itself: a 99% graduation rate among CIS students.

It’s not just about getting students across the finish line; CIS empowers them to succeed in life by helping them develop the resilience and life skills they need to thrive. As Descant notes, “Our programs empower students to achieve both academically and in life. We use an evidence-based model to achieve strong outcomes for our students, ensuring they have a future full of opportunity.”

Halliburton’s Commitment to Community

For Halliburton, this annual charity event is more than just an opportunity to hit the links—it’s about giving back to the communities where their employees live and work. 

“The Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament exemplifies our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Halliburton chairman, president, and CEO Jeff Miller. “The impactful work from charities like Communities In Schools of Houston significantly enhances the well-being of the communities we serve, and we’re proud to support their mission.”

Halliburton’s charitable foundation specifically selects nonprofits that plan to make a major impact in their communities through capital expenditures or innovative programs. By ensuring that each donation will yield tangible, lasting results, the company continues to solidify its role as a community leader.

A Ripple Effect of Goodwill

This year’s Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament was an immense success, thanks in large part to the companies, individuals, and sponsors who came together for a common cause. The **$52,460 donation to CIS** is just one example of how these contributions are making a lasting difference. 

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards supporting CIS’s wide range of programs, from academic tutoring to emotional support services, helping Houston’s youth navigate their personal and educational challenges. And it’s not just about the immediate impact—by empowering students today, CIS is creating a ripple effect that will positively influence Houston’s communities for generations to come.

 CIS staff members Cory Canon and Kendall Bousquet
 

A Bright Future Ahead

With the support of organizations like Halliburton, CIS of Houston is poised to continue its mission of helping students succeed, regardless of their background. Through the tireless efforts of staff, mentors, and community partners, CIS is removing obstacles and paving the way for a future where every student can realize their full potential.

Learn More and Get Involved

To learn more about Communities In Schools of Houston and how you can get involved, visit http://www.cishouston.org. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about the incredible work being done across 135 schools, there’s a place for you in this movement toward student success.

As Houston continues to grow and thrive, it’s partnerships like these that make all the difference. Because when we invest in our youth, we invest in a brighter future for everyone.

n for its commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. With over 100 years of experience, Halliburton continues to play a key role in supporting communities around the world through charitable initiatives like the Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament.