PARENT INVOLVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM

The Alliance for Quality Education (AFQE) awards school-wide grants up to $5,000 for parent involvement programs. Using grant funds, schools throughout Greenville County will kick off the new school year with a year-long parent involvement initiative.

Implemented in partnership with Greenville County PTA's, School Improvement Councils, and community sponsors, the program's primary goal is to encourage parents to get more involved in their children's education. The Alliance for Quality Education (AFQE) extended the focus on parental involvement by asking schools to provide programs for non-English speaking parents and other hard to reach parent populations, including families where both parents work. Schools have also been asked to partner with a community organization to help meet families' needs.

Spearheaded originally by longtime Alliance board member, the late Tunky Riley, the Parent Involvement initiative is modeled after "best practice" programs from across the country.

Along with parents and school personnel, business leaders and community members are encouraged to participate. The Alliance for Quality Education (AFQE) has awarded over $100,000 in the last 4 years to 50 local schools to encourage Parent Involvement.

Quotes from schools:

Hughes Middle School is a middle school with over 50% free and reduced lunch, and it is a challenge to get our parents involved with the school and the PTA. Our First Day celebration included almost 2,000 students and parents. We were very excited about this and realized that because of the generous grant from The Alliance for Quality Education (AFQE), we were able to make it fun and exciting for everyone. We definitely feel if we can get parents to our school, we can share with them all of the opportunities available to them throughout the school year.

The First Day celebration attracted more visitors to Duncan Chapel than any other event in the history of the school, making it at total of 1,000+ attendees. These families now know they are welcomed here and they will feel comfortable in their interaction with the school.