Leadership Institute Aims to Increase Parent Involvement in Schools

July 18, 2007

NY Assemblymember Espaillat Helps Launch new Initiative at Children's Aid Community School.

A concerned father raises his hand during the question and answer session.

Despite a rainstorm and sweltering July heat, a spirited group of 75 parents crowded into the school library at the Salomé Ureña Middle Academies, a Children’s Aid community school campus in Washington Heights, to learn about the new Ercilia Pepín Parent Leadership Institute. The Institute serves parents from Salomé Ureña as well as neighboring Children’s Aid community schools.

The goal of the Parent Leadership Institute is to guide parents so they are well informed and become strong advocates for their children in their schools. The Institute will also provide opportunities for the personal growth and education of the parents, including ESL, GED and technology. State Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat (pictured above) provided initial funding for the Institute and attended the launch, because of his “commitment to creating a legacy of vocal parent advocates.”

The Parent Leadership Institute is named after Ercilia Pepín (1886-1939), a noted educator from the Dominican Republic. She was a dedicated, innovative educator, feminist, patriot and author. She first became an educational leader at the age of 15, and went on to become a national figure.