First Five Nebraska is pleased to announce the launch of Class 3 of the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) this September. The PLA is a non-partisan initiative designed to help citizen-leaders develop their skills to advocate for public policies that support development of young children. After two successful PLA classes in 2018-19 and 2019-20, we paused recruitment of Class 3 due to the emerging pandemic. The ability for PLA members to meet in person for networking and learning from their peers is critical to success of the PLA, and we were confident virtual sessions would not have been as effective.
Applications for Class 3 will be available June 21 – July 19, and applicants will primarily be selected from communities participating in Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Communities for Kids (C4K) initiative. Applicants from C4K communities that have not yet been represented in the Academy will be prioritized. First Five Nebraska is committed to promoting the well-being and positive outcomes of all children and families, regardless of race, ethnicity or culture. We strongly encourage Academy applicants who can contribute a diversity of experiences and perspectives to the PLA.
Pausing the PLA due to the pandemic presented an opportunity to increase engagement with PLA alumni from classes 1 and 2. Through monthly ZOOM meetings, FFN connected with the approximately 75 alumni members on a number of important topics. PLA alumni across the state are local-level early childhood champions and resources in their communities and effective advocates on behalf of young children.
Watch FFN’s social media sites for registration information beginning June 21: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
Learn more about the upcoming Class 3 of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy
