The Merck Family Fund awarded ELECT SouthCoast a three-year grant to launch a parent and caregiver leadership initiative that strengthens school-based governance, expands inclusive pathways to civic leadership, and connects family engagement to broader systems change.

By training and supporting parent leaders, revitalizing PTOs and School Councils, and building long-term pipelines to public service, the initiative will diversify local leadership and improve outcomes for families and communities. Learn more about the initiative here.

NBPS parents/caregivers: here’s how to participate!

We are now recruiting for our first cohort of the Parent & Caregiver Leadership Initiative for the 2026-27 school year. We’re looking to partner with parents and caregivers of students in New Bedford Public Schools to build connections, strengthen leadership skills, support projects that improve schools and neighborhoods, and grow a diverse pipeline of civic leaders.

What will cohort members do?

> Join with other parents and caregivers to build a leadership team in your school community

- - > Develop a project that strengthens your school community, neighborhood, or opportunities for students

- - > Build relationships with fellow cohort members and school/community leaders who can support your work

- - > Grow the skills, knowledge, and networks to become a more effective civic leader

What will cohort members get?

- - > Funding to implement your project (up to $3,000)

- - > Stipends to support your participation

- - > Coaching and support from parent and civic leaders

What kinds of projects or initiatives will be supported?

We want to support the ideas you’re already working on or talking about with fellow parents and caregivers. These might include:

> Developing or strengthening your school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
> Improving students’ experiences at school through programs, field trips, playground enhancements, or enrichment opportunities
> Working across schools to enhance opportunities in areas like sports, music, theater, STEM, or other enrichment pathways
> Creating programs, support networks, or events that help students feel connected, supported, and included across the district
> Hosting events that bring families together, such as potlucks, movie nights, or field days
> Starting a School Council to inform your school’s practices and improvement plan
> Improving neighborhoods through projects like safe walking and biking routes, neighborhood planning, or expanded access to parks and recreation

Interested in learning more? Fill out this form by Friday, June 26 to share your ideas and get more information!

NBPS principals and district leaders: get involved!

Successful parent/caregiver leadership initiatives will depend on strong, supportive relationships with principals and district leaders. We’d love your help recruiting participants, generating project or initiative ideas, and designing an approach that reflects your learning on what works. If you haven’t already, please complete this brief survey and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to work together!

NBPS parent/caregiver leaders, past and present: help us succeed!

We’d love input from current and former parent/caregiver leaders who know what it takes to make this initiative work. If you haven’t done so already, please take our survey so that our cohort benefits from your hard-won lessons. We’re also looking for a few experienced leaders to serve as coaches, meeting with next year’s cohort monthly during the school year to provide feedback and encouragement. Interested? Email electsouthcoast@gmail.com to learn more.