August 14-15, 2008
September 11-12, 2008
October 9-10, 2008
 

What is this Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership focused on STEM?
The Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership, an eleven-year program of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, helps Kentucky parents become more involved in improving public schools to enhance academic achievement for all students. This institute, for the first time, will have a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Who will participate?
The institute is open to all parents and caregivers of public school students and those who work with students. Participants must have an interest in the improvement of Kentucky public schools, especially in the STEM areas. Participation in the institute is by application. Participants must attend all six days.

How many parents will participate?
This institute will train 30 parents from throughout Kentucky in 2008. These parents will engage hundreds of other parents through projects and activities in their schools and districts.

What will participants in the institute be trained to do?
Participants will be trained in leadership and communication skills, given information that includes achievement data, and provided an explanation of Kentucky’s public education system. Training will enable them to work more effectively with other parents in their communities to improve local schools and increase student achievement in the STEM areas by designing and completing a project in their school or district.

Where will the institute sessions be held?
The location is the Holiday Inn University Plaza, Bowling Green.

How much does this training cost?
The institute is FREE to all participants; expenses including meals, rooms and materials will be provided.

What is the budget for the Commonwealth Institute?
The 2008 budget for the institute is $125,000. The Commonwealth Institute is managed and staffed by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, a non-partisan, non-profit, independent citizens-advocacy group. This institute will be implemented in partnership with the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science and The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University.

How does someone get more information on the Commonwealth Institute?
Visit the Web page at www.cipl.org or call the Prichard Committee in Lexington at 859-233-9849 ext. 223 or ext. 231. The e-mail address is cipl@prichardcommittee.org or contact Sheila Cruse Johnston at 270-534-8985 or sjcruse@comcast.net.
 

Additional Information:
CIPL Facts Flyer
CIPL Stem Application
CIPL STEM Reference Form
CIPL Release Time Form