ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Nov. 16, 2020)—National PTA is pleased to award 15 local PTAs across the country with a grant of $1,500 each to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their PTA and school community. The grant program is part of National PTA’s commitment to improve diversity, equity and inclusion throughout PTA and school communities nationwide and to rise to correct the inequities and injustices that permeate the United States.

“As an association that represents all children and families, it is our duty to disrupt systemic barriers to equity. To do this, we must look within ourselves and then call upon all other institutions to do the same,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “The grants will support the work of these PTAs and our broader association in this area of critical importance and help achieve our mission to make every child’s potential a reality.”

The grant recipients are: 

• Albert Einstein High School PTSA (Maryland)
• Buchtel Community Learning Center PTA (Ohio)
• Davidsen Middle School PTSA (Florida)
• Douglas Elementary PTA (North Carolina)
• Horsemen PTA (New York)
• James Lane Allen Elementary PTA (Kentucky)
• James River Elementary PTA (Virginia)
• Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary PTA (Wisconsin)
• Orem Junior High PTSA (Utah)
• Palmer Way PTA (California)
• Price Elementary School PTA (Kentucky)
• Rancho San Diego PTA (California)
• Ridge Creek Elementary PTA (Texas)
• RM Moore Elementary STEM PTA (Georgia)
• Wilcoxson Elementary PTA (Connecticut)

With the grant, these PTAs will focus on a community they have historically struggled to engage and use authentic listening approaches to build empathy and identify ways to improve how they connect with families in their community. The PTAs will then work with families to co-design and implement a roadmap for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in their PTA and the wider school community. The PTAs will also contribute to national research that elevates the voice of parents in shaping more equity-centered family engagement practices.

National PTA has an Equity Fellowship and a Diversity, Inclusion & Outreach Committee, through which the fellows and committee members also work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in PTA. National PTA has also created a variety of resources on diversity, equity and inclusion, including a new guidance document for local PTA leaders. Additional resources are available at PTA.org/Diversity. The association’s recent episode of its Notes from the Backpack podcast offers guidance on raising kids who embrace race. This summer, National PTA’s Board of Directors adopted a position statement on addressing institutional racism.

“PTA’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is more important than ever,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “When we ensure that all communities have a voice and that their perspectives and needs are represented, we gain strength and effectiveness in helping schools improve and helping all children realize their full potential.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.