Are you passionate about shaping public policy and creating lasting change in your community? The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA), a premier leadership development program, is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-26 cohort will open May 5. This is your opportunity to join a dynamic network of advocates dedicated to advancing grassroots movements that influence public policy, particularly in the areas of maternal health and early childhood development.
An initiative of First Five Nebraska, PLA is a nonpartisan program designed to empower individuals with the skills, knowledge and tools needed to become effective policy advocates. Since its inception in 2018, the Academy has trained over 180 citizen-advocates from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Participants emerge from the program equipped to mobilize communities, engage policymakers and drive meaningful change at both the local and state levels.
The Academy’s curriculum focuses on strategies to build diverse, cross-sector coalitions, mobilize resources and amplify community voices in policy discussions; gain deeper insights into how decisions are made at the state and local levels; develop authentic relationships with community members, public officials and other stakeholders. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to tackle real-world policy issues through hands-on projects tailored to your community’s needs.
Achieved remarkable milestones
PLA alumni have achieved remarkable milestones in their communities and beyond. They’ve built influential advocacy groups, shaped administrative policies and cultivated networks of allies who are transforming conversations around maternal health and early childhood education. Graduates have gone on to effectively advocate for legislation improving access to prenatal care and child care services; lead community-driven initiatives addressing child care shortages in rural areas; and build partnerships across sectors to strengthen early childhood systems. For example, past participants have successfully championed policies such as the reauthorization of the School Readiness Tax Credit, facilitated issues forums with state leaders and worked tirelessly to address child care accessibility challenges across Nebraska. Their efforts underscore the power of grassroots advocacy in creating systemic change.
The PLA welcomes individuals from all walks of life who are committed to advancing public policy solutions for their communities. Ideal applicants include:
- Child care providers, educators, health care professionals and civic leaders.
- Advocates passionate about maternal health, early childhood education or economic development.
- Anyone eager to learn how to influence policy effectively and build grassroots movements.
- Those committed to collaboration, ongoing learning and relationship building at grassroots and systems levels are prime candidates for the PLA.
Whether you’re an experienced advocate or new to policy work, the PLA provides a supportive environment where you can grow as a leader while making a tangible impact on issues that matter most to you.
October 2025 through March 2026
The 2025-26 cohort will be held between October 2025 and March 2026. Participants will gather for three in-person workshops held in Kearney, a legislative day in Lincoln and one virtual session. They will also complete a capstone project addressing a current or potential policy issue in their community. Lodging will be provided and travel expenses for workshops will be reimbursed by First Five Nebraska.
Applications open on May 5, 2025, with limited spots available for this transformative experience. Don’t miss your chance to join a growing network of changemakers dedicated to improving maternal health and early childhood systems. Together, we can build stronger communities by shaping policies that prioritize families’ well-being and children’s futures. We hope you’ll consider joining this movement and will apply for the Policy Leadership Academy.
Learn more and register for a pre-application webinar
