Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy
Leaders Wanted
Unlock your leadership potential as an early childhood advocate
The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) is the state’s premier, non-partisan leadership development program focused on preparing advocates to help shape policies that affect our youngest children, families and communities. Participants in the program learn alongside experts with extensive experience in grassroots advocacy and policy advisement at the local, state and federal levels.
Now entering its seventh year, PLA members and alumni are part of a dynamic, statewide network of advocates who serve as a valued resources to their communities and the public officials who represent them.
Cross-sector impact
The PLA welcomes applicants with a diverse range of personal and professional experience including:
| Early childhood care and education | Maternal and child health |
| K-12 and higher education | Business, industry and economic development |
| Nonprofit and community development services | Representatives of traditionally marginalized or underserved communities |
“The relationships I built in the PLA helped me better understand the early childhood challenges facing southeastern Nebraska and the state as a whole. Those challenges are crucially important to many of the issues I address in my work as an economic developer.
What you learn in this program doesn’t just make you a more effective early childhood advocate—it makes you a more effective, engaged Nebraskan.”
Be challenged and inspired
The PLA encourages offers a challenging and rewarding experience that helps advocates grow as leaders and transform their communities. Here is what to expect:
Competitive Application Process: Admission to the program is based on thoughtful and thorough responses to the application questions, as well as a letter of recommendation from a professional or community reference. Finalist candidates will also participate in a short interview with the program coordinator.
Six–Month Commitment: The 2025-26 PLA program begins in October and concludes the following March. Applicants must obtain signed permission from their employers (if applicable) approving the time required for them to participate fully in the program’s activities.
Required Workshops: Participants will attend four in-person, daylong workshops and one virtual workshop during the program. Workshops are held monthly except in December. In-Person workshops are conducted in either Kearney or Lincoln. Meal, travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed by First Five Nebraska.
Capstone Project: PLA participants will complete monthly take-home assignments culminating in a capstone project in which they will apply their advocacy knowledge to a topic in child care, maternal/child health, or a related issue.
Alumni Engagement: Graduates of the program are expected to stay involved in early childhood policy advocacy efforts as program alumni.
2025-26 Program
Workshop locations to be announced.
October 7-8, 2025 – Kearney
Building an Early Childhood Movement and Understanding the Landscape
We launch our 2025-26 program with a welcome dinner and evening orientation, followed by a full-day workshop addressing the roots and cycle of effective advocacy, building momentum in your community and techniques for leveraging local data.
November 12, 2025 – Kearney
Influencing Early Childhood Policy at the Local Level
Become familiar with how municipal government works, elements of successful coalitions, and ways to map and mobilize local resources and relationships to advance advocacy goals.
January 14, 2026 – Virtual (Zoom) Workshop
Influencing Early Childhood Policy at the Statewide Level
Our January workshop focuses on the the unique structure of the Unicameral system, the differences between legislative and administrative policy and how to identify opportunities for advocacy during the policymaking process.
February 11, 2026 – Lincoln
A Day at the Capitol
Our February workshop convenes in Lincoln, providing an opportunity for PLA members to meet with their state senator to discuss current early childhood legislation, observe floor debate and attend committee hearings.
March 11, 2026 – Kearney
Capstone Project Presentations and Graduation
We return to Kearney for the final workshop of the 2025-26 PLA, during which participants will deliver presentations on their capstone projects for their classmates, discuss their ongoing advocacy work as alumni and gather in the evening for an end-of-program banquet and graduation ceremony.
Jodi-Renee Girón
Grassroots and Outreach Advisor
The application window for the 2025-26 class of the PLA opens
Monday, May 5
Check back soon for the link to the online application
Special Pre-Application Period Webinar
Tuesday, April 22 | 1:30 PM CST
Learn more about the 2025-26 PLA program.
Register Today
“I joined the PLA because I wanted to be involved in public policy as a participant, not just as someone impacted by it. Grassroots advocacy is about letting people know that their voice matters.
We may not have all the answers as individuals, but when we come together and combine our knowledge and resources, we can accomplish a lot.”