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District Recruits New Class for Parent Leadership Institutes
Sept. 20, 2018
ELGIN – Parents interested in developing their leadership skills are invited to join an award-winning training program unique to School District U-46. The District’s African American Parent Leadership Institute and Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute teach parents about the policies and procedures of a school system so they can become strong education advocates and leaders. Past graduates have gone on to serve on the U-46 Board of Education and Elgin City Council as well as local and state advisory councils.
“Taking part in this program has taught me how to be a more effective leader, become a more informed stakeholder in my child’s learning and has shown me the inner workings of a school district,” said José Alcantara, who is entering his second year in the Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute (HPLI).
Those who are interested in the program can learn about it by viewing the informational video here. After watching the video, those interested in applying for the program can find the application here. Potential applicants with questions should reach out to Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Karla Jiménez at karlajimenez@u-46.org. The application deadline is Sept. 28.
More than 125 parents have graduated from AAPLI and HPLI since 2010 when former U-46 Superintendent Dr. José Torres established the program. Graduates include Board of Education Member Veronica Noland and Elgin City Council Member Corey Dixon. This year, another 10 parents will move into their second year of training, including María Martínez, who said the program has helped her develop skills that are useful in her career.
“By participating in HPLI, I have also gained knowledge about the vast programs the District has and also helped me become aware of ways I can get involved and make a difference,” she said.
The success of AAPLI/HPLI has caught the attention of state and national organizations. The program won a “Reflecting Excellence” award in the fall of 2017 from Reflejos Publications, a media company that has served the Latino market in Chicago’s suburbs for nearly 30 years. It was also highlighted at the 2017 annual conference of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
“The parents who commit to the Parents Leadership Institutes learn how to become stronger advocates for their children and other families, and they serve as an important bridge between U-46 and the communities we serve,” said Jiménez. “Parent advocates and leaders are critical in creating a positive learning experience for all children and serve as an important role model for their children and other parents.”
Parent members attend 16 Saturday morning sessions, beginning in October, over the course of two school years, must attend District meetings, and complete a family engagement project to complete the program.