Our Work

Since 2020, EmpowerED Families has worked to ensure Indianapolis parent and student voice is heard through advocacy, relationships, and community building. Learn more about events and initiatives below.

Parent Leadership Training

The EmpowerED Families Parent Leadership Training is a 6 week program designed to equip Indianapolis parents and community members with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for better schools and policies in their communities.

This training is specifically designed for Indianapolis parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community leaders who are passionate about education and want to understand the education system better and become strong advocates for children.

Teacher Advocacy Group

Teachers have first-hand knowledge of the ways policy shapes the classroom. We're building a space for Indianapolis educators to connect, unwind, and exchange ideas. Our gatherings are honest conversations about the education landscape: the challenges shaping our schools, the opportunities on the horizon, and the ideas that might move us forward. We provide opportunities for teachers to advocate for education policy at the local and state level. If you're interested in joining this community, let us know by signing up at this link.

Youth Advocacy Group

Every month, young people from across our city come together to learn, lead, and take action. We help Indianapolis youth explore how local change happens and build real campaigns on the issues they care about. It's an informal, but informative space for connecting, sharing ideas, and digging into the education landscape shaping their communities, with youth voices driving the work. If you're interested in joining, let us know by signing up at this link.

School Partnership Meetings

Our team connects with schools across Indianapolis, sharing ways for families to learn about the education system, available resources, and ways to advocate for issues they care about.

Reports

EmpowerED Families has published reports on enrollment and parent views on Indianapolis public education.

Parent Perspectives (October 2023)

In partnership The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit, EmpowerED Families is proud to present “Parent Perspectives: What Indianapolis parents and residents want from their public schools“. The report outlines the views of those who represent the majority of public school students within Indianapolis Public School (IPS) boundaries: charter and innovation school families.

Public charter and innovation school students make up 59% of all students in IPS boundaries, so hearing those parents’ voices is crucial.

The Parent Perspectives report shares: 

  • Data from more than 2,000 surveys and 1:1 interviews from Marion County residents and public charter and innovation school parents. 

  • A breakdown of what public charter and innovation school parents love and would like to improve at their schools.

  • Recommendations for school leaders, lawmakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders on how to leverage parent perspectives.

Our city, state, and country continue to recover from learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we find solutions forward, parent views and experiences must be included. Families need to be kept at the center of decision-making.

Click here to download the Parent Perspectives report in English.

Click here to download the Parent Perspectives report in Spanish.