Parent Leadership Academy Accepting Applicants for 2025 Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Enfield's Parent Leadership Academy Prepares for 18th Year of Empowering Parents

Enfield, CT – The Parent Leadership Academy (PLA) is gearing up for its 18th year, offering Enfield residents the opportunity to join Class 18 and embark on a journey to discover the leader within.

The PLA program is tailored to equip Enfield caregivers with essential skills, fostering self-confidence and knowledge in various areas. Key focuses of the classes include identifying personality traits, conflict resolution, effective advocacy, honing public speaking abilities, and networking with community leaders. Participants will put these skills into practice by collaborating on a class project, and applying their newly acquired knowledge in a real-world setting.

Adapting to the evolving needs of Enfield families, PLA is committed to delivering an inclusive and equitable program that meets families and children where they are. This FREE program is available to any Enfield parent, grandparent, or guardian of a child residing in the community. To facilitate participation, complimentary light dinners and childcare are provided each week, made possible through a generous grant from Enfield Public Schools and in partnership with Enfield’s Early Childhood Collaborative, KITE (Key Initiatives to Early Education).

Classes will convene on Thursday evenings from 5:30 - 8:30 pm for 12 weeks, commencing on February 6, 2024, with a one-day Saturday Retreat on February 1st from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Applicants are encouraged to commit to attending all scheduled classes and the retreat to fully experience the program.

Having graduated over 200 participants since its establishment in 2006, the Parent Leadership Academy has seen its alumni make significant contributions to the community. Graduates have assumed roles as elected officials on the Board of Education and Town Council, served as PTO Presidents, and become advocates for children and families. Many have also founded non-profits and joined community organizations, using their voice to effect positive change. Graduates consistently report leaving the program with increased confidence, a deeper understanding of the Enfield community, and enhanced knowledge of the resources available.

Applications for the program are now open and accessible via the KITE website (enfieldkite.org). For further inquiries or additional information, please contact PLA Coordinator Leslie Lawlor at llawlor@enfield.org or 860-847-1471.

The Parent Leadership Academy eagerly anticipates welcoming a new class of students in 2025.

Contact:

Leslie Lawlor

PLA Coordinator

Email: llawlor@enfield.org

Phone: 860-847-1471