An education advocacy organization is working to build support for better academic outcomes through family and community engagement. The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is coordinating the “Groundswell Initiative,” supported by a five-year, $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Prichard Committee Director Brigitte Blom Ramsey says it’s a statewide effort focusing on individual parents and the communities where they live.
“So we know faith based institutions, community organizations, all are looking to move the needle when it comes to education. But we’re lacking in the direct kind of information that helps communities do that. And we’ll be getting that information out through the Groundswell Initiative,” said Blom Ramsey.
“So we know faith based institutions, community organizations, all are looking to move the needle when it comes to education. But we’re lacking in the direct kind of information that helps communities do that. And we’ll be getting that information out through the Groundswell Initiative,” said Blom Ramsey.
Three “on the ground” organizations are participating in the new program, representing different geographic areas. They are Partners for Education at Berea College, The National Center for Families Learning in Louisville, and Covington’s Children Inc.?
Partners Director Dreama Gentry says the initiative includes direct assistance for parents trying to get back in the workforce or hoping to further their education. “Providing them with mentoring and coaching over a 28 week period. At the same time we’re working with them on how they support their kids. We’re looking at just parents of elementary aged students,” Gentry noted.
Gentry said the aim is to help 500 parents over the next year.
