Parent Leaders
Parent Leaders
Our Programs
Our Community Organizer Training Program empowers both emerging and seasoned organizers with the skills needed to drive meaningful change in local communities.
The powerful, two-day Jose Arenas Parent Leadership Institute is designed to give parents and caregivers the tools to organize, build movements, and create lasting impact.
Community Organizer Training Program (COTP)
Empowered communities create thriving schools and stronger future. This immersive training program equips passionate parents, caregivers, and community leaders with the tools, confidence, and skills they need. From navigating local education policy to building infrastructure for local campaigns and coalitions, our graduates leave the program ready to make real change.
Alumni Voices & Impact
Grow Your Leadership
“COTP was a huge boost for our organization’s family engagement strategy. It created the foundation for building true parent power in a way that our organization had not been operating with previously.”
– Patricia Hadad
Opportunity 180
Gain New Skills
“The skills that I’ve gained here have made me much better at community organizing than I thought I could ever be. I wish I had those skills when I started doing this work. Being in community with so many other dedicated public servants has energized me.”
– Mohamed Sow
COTP Alum, 2020
Jose Arenas Parent Leadership Institute
Parents and caregivers have always been at the heart of movements that transform schools and communities. The Jose Arenas Parent Leadership Institute is designed for both new and experienced organizers. It’s a hands-on, real-world training initiative that gives you the skills to create lasting change in your community and beyond.
Amazing Outcomes
Policy Adoption
3 major district policies, 2 statewide laws, and 1 state budget provision
New Educational Options
3+ high-quality schools created through parent advocacy
Parent Leadership Pipeline
650+ trained parent leaders currently active
Geographic Influence
Expanded from 1 region to 22 states in just over a decade
Research Impact
5 major reports directly leading to policy changes
Targeted Funding
$300 million in ongoing Prop 98 funds targeted at closing opportunity gaps
Celebrating 2025 COTP Graduates
This July, Innovate Public Schools proudly celebrated the graduation of 18 new community organizers from our Community Organizer Training Program (COTP).
Parents at the Center: 2025 Parent Leadership Institute Brings Hope, Power, and Action
On September 20–21, 2025, nearly 100 parent leaders and 50 children came together for the 2025 Innovate Parent Leadership Institute (PLI).
The Evolution of Innovate’s Leadership Institute
At Innovate Public Schools, we recognize the pivotal role parents and families play in transforming the education system.