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Latino parents in DeKalb and Sycamore invited to “Universidad para Padres”

August 14, 2017

A participant celebrates with her family at the 2016-17 Universidad para Padres completion ceremony.

Latino parents in the DeKalb and Sycamore school districts are invited to participate in “Universidad para Padres,” or “Parent University,” a free community outreach program that empowers mothers, fathers and even grandparents to take active roles in their own personal growth and their children’s academic success.

Sessions will take place at DeKalb High School from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings during the 2017-18 school year and will cover a variety of topics, ranging from bilingual options in the local K-12 education system to health promotion, household finances, personal and leadership development, parenting styles and the college application process. Childcare will be provided for children (4-13 years old) while their parents are in class.

Rocio, a participant from the 2016-17 school year said, “Parent University has motivated me to believe that our children can become a better version of ourselves. It has put in our hands knowledge and resources that—if we learn how to take advantage of them—will make us, as immigrants, not only persons with stronger self-confidence, but also a stronger community.”

Parent University is sponsored by the Regional P-20 Network, a collaborative organization based at NIU which includes 13 community colleges and 30 school districts. This pilot program is part of the P-20 Network’s efforts to build community support for improvements in college and career readiness.

Those who are interested in participating or would like to have more information visit www.p20parentuniversity.org and contact program coordinator Susana DasNeves at parentuniversity@niu.edu or 815-753-1420.

Das Neves will host an informational session on Thursday, August 17th, at the DeKalb Public Library, 7-8 p.m. in the Bilder Family Meeting Room. Interested parents can complete an enrollment application to be part of Universidad para Padres.