Parent University

Parent University is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering parents to improve their children's academic success and break cycles of disadvantage. The organization is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, and has expanded its programs to other locations, including Pensacola, Florida.

History

Parent University was founded in 2002 with the mission of addressing generational poverty and crime by enhancing parenting, life, and leadership skills among parents. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive family support model, involving mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and children in learning and community activities.

Programs

The organization offers various programs aimed at different stages of family life:

• Traditional Programs: These provide parenting skills and life skills training, often conducted at local schools and engaging 150-200 parents per session.
• Early Learning College: Focuses on parenting skills for parents of children from birth to five years old, emphasizing brain development during these critical years.
• Tech College: Launched in 2020 to address technology gaps, offering courses from basic device usage to cybersecurity and online threats.

Parent University also offers virtual sessions to accommodate broader participation and has adapted its model to serve diverse communities, including the Hispanic community, by offering sessions in Spanish and hosting events in unique settings like barber shops and hair salons.

Impact

By focusing on family empowerment, Parent University has become a significant agent of change, fostering educational outcomes and social development among families. The organization's model has attracted interest from other communities and organizations across the United States, reflecting its effectiveness in addressing generational issues.

Expansion

Parent University expanded its operations to Pensacola, Florida, in 2020, marking its first outreach location outside Georgia. This expansion was met with support from local government officials and community leaders.

Community Response During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parent University adapted its services by transitioning events to virtual platforms, ensuring continuous support for families facing enhanced challenges. This included providing health education, food distribution information, and homeschooling support, maintaining strong community engagement even in difficult conditions.

[1] https://www.monafoundation.org/parent-uni [2] https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/Page/2339 [3] https://fl50010848.schoolwires.net/domain/414 [4] https://www.lansingschools.net/departments/office-of-school-culture/parent-university/ [5] https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/parent-engagement/parent-university/