May 17, 2019

School District U-46 this weekend will honor parents of African American and Hispanic students who have completed two years in the District’s Parent Leadership Institutes. The African American Parent Leadership Institute (AAPLI) and the Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute (HPLI) help parents develop the confidence and knowledge to become more effective advocates within the District and their communities.

“Engaged parents are unstoppable in motivating their children, partnering with our schools, and inspiring life-long learning,” said U-46 CEO Tony Sanders. “We are so proud of these graduates who took the time to hone their skills so they could make a difference that will ripple beyond their own children and into the community.”

The Parent Leadership Institutes will host a graduation ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18 at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin, to honor those who are completing the program. The event will also recognize 15 U-46 parents who have completed the program’s first year.

AAPLI and HPLI provides leadership and advocacy training, as well as networking opportunities, for U-46 parents to become more active participants in their child’s education. Those who enroll in the program participate in monthly sessions, usually on Saturday mornings, and attend meetings of the Board of Education, Citizens’ Advisory Council, and other educational events.

More than 125 parents have graduated from AAPLI and HPLI since the institutes were established in 2010. Some graduates have gone on to become elected officials, including Board of Education Secretary Pro-Tem Veronica Noland; Carlos Chavez, a former trustee for for the Gail Borden Public Library; and Elgin City Council member Corey Dixon.

The following parents will graduate from AAPLI:

• Zellar Asare
• Edith Solomon

The following parents will graduate from HPLI:

• José Alcántara
• María Martínez
• Verónica Medrano
• María Reyes

Those who are interested in the program can learn more by viewing the informational video available on the District’s website under the Parent section. Potential applicants with questions should reach out to Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Karla Jiménez at karlajimenez@u-46.org. The application deadline is Aug. 30.