Empowering Parents, Transforming Futures: The Success of Parent Power

The National Civic Impact Accelerator is proud to spotlight the transformative work of Parent Power with our new Debate Stage blog.: Parent Power: community organising for civic impact – Civic University Network

Parent Power is an initiative that exemplifies the profound impact of community engagement in education. Born from a collaboration between King's College London and Citizens UK, Parent Power has become a beacon of hope and change, demonstrating how universities and local communities can work together to support young people's access to higher education.

Engaging Parents for Educational Success

Research by the Education Endowment Foundation has shown that parental engagement can lead to an average of 4 months' additional progress in a child's education. Parent Power takes this insight to heart, mobilising parents and carers to become advocates and experts in higher education, thereby ensuring their children have fair educational opportunities.

Community Organising for Change

The initiative employs community organising methods to build strong, local networks of parents who are trained to tackle educational barriers. Through one-to-one conversations and group meetings, parents identify issues and collaborate on solutions, creating community-led changes that have led to significant wins, such as bespoke university open days and summer school bursaries.

A National Movement with Local Impact

From South London to Oldham, Parent Power chapters have emerged across the UK, each adapting the model to their unique community needs. In Oldham, for example, the group has grown under the leadership of Rahiela Koser, who has transitioned from a participating parent to a Community Organiser. Despite challenges like the pandemic, the Oldham chapter has strengthened its support network, focusing on crucial issues such as digital literacy and mental health.

Impressive Outcomes and Parental Confidence

The success of Parent Power is evident in the numbers: 100% of parents and carers report being able to discuss higher education with their children, and 94% feel confident in supporting their children's university access and success. These statistics underscore the initiative's effectiveness in empowering parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children's educational journeys.

You can find out more about the impact of the model here: https://thebrilliantclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Parent-Power-brochure.pdf.

Oldham Parent Power

A community initiative that originated in 2019, has seen remarkable growth and impact under the leadership of Rahiela Koser, who transitioned from a chapter member to a Community Organiser.

Rahiela's journey exemplifies the core mission of Parent Power, which aims to break down barriers to higher education for young people and empower parents with knowledge. The group, comprising nearly 20 parents based in Oldham, collaborates with The Brilliant Club, Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, and Oldham Council to facilitate its activities.

Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Oldham Parent Power has evolved into a strong support network for its members, fostering discussions on crucial topics like home schooling, digital literacy, and mental health strategies. Rahiela's dedication to fostering community cohesion and educational empowerment highlights the transformative impact of Parent Power initiatives in Oldham.

"Parent Power has always had the aim of breaking down barriers to getting young people to university and empower parents with knowledge….Through Parent Power, I get to meet and talk to new people and promote education... it has also helped me find an identity of my own, and allowed me to connect with my aspirations.” Rahiela Koser

Join the Parent Power Movement

The NCIA encourages other organisations to recognise the power of parent engagement and to consider establishing a Parent Power chapter. By connecting with parents and carers, institutions can foster a reciprocal relationship that not only supports their civic mission but also brings about meaningful change in the lives of young people and their communities. For those interested in learning more about Parent Power or starting a chapter, please reach out to Jimmy Pickering , Director of Communities, The Brilliant Club at [email protected]

Together, we can mobilise our communities to support students who are less advantaged and ensure their success in the most competitive universities.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Parent Power and in taking the next steps towards a more inclusive and empowered future for all students. Check out Jimmy’s blog to find out more about his thoughts and experiences. Parent Power: community organising for civic impact – Civic University Network

Share your stories below of when listening to communities made a difference. #CivicEngagment #EarlyYears #PlaceMatters