Innovate’s Impact
Over the Years
2012
Parent Leadership Institute (now the Jose Arenas Parent Leadership Institute) launched
- First cohort of parent leaders trained in advocacy skills
2013
“Broken Promises” report published, Start-up Schools Fellowship established
- First comprehensive data on achievement gaps in Silicon Valley counties
- First cohort of school leaders began designing new high-quality school models
2014
Redwood City parent mobilization, “Struggling Schools, Promising Solutions” report
- 300+ parents attended Action Meeting demanding new school options
- Identified 28 persistently low-performing schools and highlighted successful turnaround models
2015
Redwood City charter school approvals, California Charter Schools Association’s Volunteers of the Year
- Two new high-quality schools (KIPP Excelencia Community Prep and Rocketship Redwood City Prep) unanimously approved
- Parent leaders Maritza Leal and Enrique Esparza honored for organizing 1,000+ fellow parents
Spring 2016
San Francisco presence established, “Top Bay Area Public Schools for Underserved Students” report published
- Organized diverse parent base across Bayview-Hunters Point and Mission District
- Highlighted both achievement gaps and high-performing schools serving underrepresented groups
Fall 2016
Proposition N (San Francisco) passed
- Non-citizen parents gained the right to vote in school board elections.
2017
SFUSD Black Student Achievement research
- Revealed only 19% of Black students in SFUSD meeting standards; forced district to create Black Student Achievement Task Force
2018
Local Control Funding Formula Reform
- Improved transparency requirements for how California districts spend funds for disadvantaged students
Summer 2018
Los Angeles County expansion
- Hired organizers and launched parent chapter in South LA and Inglewood
Spring 2019
Citywide Black Student Achievement Parent Leader Team (LA)
- 120+ meetings, 300+ hours developing advocacy platform by Black parents
Summer 2019
USC collaboration on “Top LA County Public Schools”
- Identified 278 schools “beating the odds” for low-income students of color
Fall 2019
Mary L. Booker Leadership Academy founded
- New charter school in SF’s Bayview-Hunters Point with Afrocentric curriculum and trauma-informed practices
Spring 2020
COVID-19 state requirements, Parent network growth
- New mandates for tracking student participation, addressing learning loss, and family communication
- Expanded from 67 leaders (2015) to 500+ active parent leaders statewide
Summer 2020
LAUSD Black Student Achievement initiative
- District agreed to launch program after sustained parent advocacy
Fall 2020
SFUSD Special Education funding
- $2.5 million investment in bilingual staff, translation services, and IEP workshops
Spring 2021
Michelle Vilchez becomes CEO, SF Language Access campaign launched
- New partnerships with school districts on restorative justice and community engagement
- Groundwork laid for policy solution for English Learner families with IEPs
Fall 2021
LAUSD Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP)
- $36 million funding secured; expanded to include 50+ schools by 2023
Spring 2022
SFUSD District-wide Tutoring Program, Andromeda Math Partners Tutoring Program
- $3 million allocated for high-dosage tutoring, prioritizing low-income and English learners
- 98% parent satisfaction; 77% of students reported improved math grades; 96% of parents saw academic improvement
2022
SFUSD Policy 5023 adopted, California Statewide Parent Leader Board created
- Improved translation and interpretation services for 12,000+ students in special education programs
- 14 standout parent leaders representing thousands of families held first advocacy day in Sacramento
Spring 2023
California “Equity Multiplier” funding, Senate Bill 445 co-sponsored
- $300 million in ongoing Proposition 98 funds targeted at closing opportunity gaps
- Built coalition with disability rights groups; bill passed State Senate
Summer 2023
Utah Training Partnership, AI-EP Project launched, Bellwether “Building Parent Power” report
- Trained 132 parent leaders across 13 cities outside California
- Received significant investment from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for AI-powered IEP tracking tool
- Featured as one of five exemplary parent-organizing efforts in the U.S.
Spring 2024
SB 445 signed into law
- State law requiring translated IEPs within 30 days in California’s top 10 languages
Summer 2024
Leadership Institute rebranding, Equity funding oversight
- More inclusive approach welcoming all caregivers and community advocates
- Ensuring $300M truly benefits Black students through continued advocacy
Spring 2025
SELA Community Action
- Parents and community members in Southeast LA came together to host an important meeting to push for more school gardens in local schools
Ready to Get Involved?
When families and communities come together to support a child’s education, schools become stronger and more inclusive. Our incredible parent leaders are already making a difference – here’s how you can join us.