Grand Rapids Parent University

In 2010, passionate parents attending a Believe 2 Become community meeting responded to the question, “How do we help our children reach their full potential?”

With the guidance of LINC Community Revitalization, one group of parents formed an action group called Parent University.

In 2012, several of the parent-leaders joined a more expansive design team to create the framework and a robust offering of classes for Parent University. This design team of parents, aided by Evolve!, Believe 2 Become, Grand Rapids Public Schools, LINC Community Revitalization, Kent School Services Network, and Creative Change Mission, spent more than 100 hours putting the details together for a 2013 fall launch.

As articulated by the parents, the Parent University vision is to “Help parents be strong advocates of their children’s success.” The parent and community steering committee of Parent University welcomes everyone to join the ranks of Power Parents, helping children succeed.

Want to submit a course proposal?

Are you a local organization, parent, teacher, school leader, or other community partner interested in contributing to Parent University in the future? Submit your course proposal online today.
Submissions are reviewed by the Parent University Curriculum Review Committee. The Committee convenes as needed for the purpose of reviewing and selecting courses for Parent University.

Criteria for course selection are as follows:
Course must address at least one of the four areas of focus:

  • Effective Parenting
  • Personal Growth and Development
  • Navigating the Educational System
  • Health and Wellness
  1. Course uses researched, evidence-based curriculum and information.
  2. Course defines a skill or enhances awareness students will take away from their experience.
  3. Course is culturally sensitive and content is inclusive.
  4. Course is relevant, current, interesting, and addresses the needs of families.

Click here to submit your course proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent University is a community collaborative to help parents become full partners in their child’s education. It offers classes, events, workshops, conferences, leadership training, and mentoring to equip parents for success. Parent University provides all parents opportunities for their children and family to grow and be successful.

We believe that parents are confident advocates of their children’s success.
We believe that all parents want their children to succeed
We believe all parents are capable of helping their child succeed.

Parent University is not a location. We travel. We bring the courses to the schools and parents at times convenient for all. Since 2013, Parent University has increased the number of offerings for our parents. Currently we offer over 60 different classes from over 40 community partners and GRPS district departments. We offer classes on Effective Parenting, Health and Wellness, Navigating the Educational System, and Personal Growth and Development.

Translators

Please note that classes offered in English will have a Spanish translator if Spanish speaking parents are expected to attend. Likewise, if a Spanish class expects English speaking parents to attend, a translator will be provided. Parents are always welcome to bring along a personal translator, as well.