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Parent Leadership Institute

The Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) teaches parents how to effectively influence and enhance parent efforts to improve the education experience throughout the district.

The Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) is a rigorous 10-week leadership development program that teaches parents how to become agents of change and leading advocates for all children.

This program uses a cohort model based on geographic location. Each session is strategically focused on leadership, evidence-based practices, networking, critical thinking, and advocacy. Parents learn key techniques for influencing school-related decisions and receive intensive course study grounded in research linked to school improvement. 

PLI goals include:

  • Develop cross-functional understanding of parent leader practices infused with the five components of our family and community engagement strategies
  • Increase parent leader capacities to provide support to principals and teachers aligned with research-based standards that help promote student achievement
  • Streamline the process across all Pods so that adult learners throughout the district can engage in the learning process
  • Improve two-way communication and messaging of districtwide initiatives

Upon successful completion of the PLI course, parents will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible to participate in the PLI Alumni Program.

CPS encourages all interested parents/guardians to apply to PLI. Participation is free, but requires a time commitment.

Applications are available at Parent University campuses, or you can contact the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE):

Email: FACE@cps.edu

Phone: 773-553-FACE (3223)