Washington Family Engagement logo
DONATE
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Parent Leadership
  4. /
  5. IPL

The Washington Institute for Parent Leadership

Welcome to the Washington Institute for Parent Leadership (IPL)

The IPL is a free, 10-week, 5-hours per week online course for parents, caregivers, and individuals working with families. The IPL is offered in English and Spanish, and it is open to Washington state residents only.

Join the next virtual IPL

The Fall 2026 IPL starts Saturday, October 3rd, and ends with graduation on Saturday, December 12th. The virtual course is available in English and Spanish.

  • The Fall 2026 IPL English virtual sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 9 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12 noon.
  • The Fall 2026 IPL Spanish virtual sessions are held on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 9 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12 noon.

About the program

The Washington Institute for Parent Leadership is a virtual program for parents, caregivers, and family-facing professionals who want to become civic and public school leaders and advocates, understand how the government and public school systems work, and learn how to use their voice to influence public policy for the benefit of communities across Washington State.

  • The IPL is a free, state-wide virtual program open to Washington State residents only. No previous leadership or advocacy experience is required to take the course.
  • Participants must have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with internet access.
  • Participants are expected to attend all sessions and may not miss more than three sessions to graduate.
  • Participants who complete the course attend a virtual graduation ceremony and receive a graduation certificate, which may be used to apply for jobs, higher education programs or other leadership or professional opportunities.

The IPL is a dynamic leadership development course focused on personal and public communication, systems knowledge, and civic engagement. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics and skill-building activities. Participants will:

  • Explore leadership styles, core values and the type of leaders they want to become.
  • Examine the impact of power, influence and change.
  • Learn the meaning of inclusion, exclusion, equity and equality.
  • Highlight their personal cultural heritage and understand what community wealth is all about.
  • Practice effective interpersonal communication, public speaking and using their voice to influence change.
  • Understand how our government systems work and how they can participate in public policy.
  • Learn how our public education system is structured, how parents can get engaged in their children’s education and what are the rights of K-12 students.
  • Identify social issues that impact families and learn how to offer oral and written public testimony to elected officials.

The Washington Institute for Parent Leadership is offered in English and Spanish in the Spring and Fall of every year. Program registration is open year round.

English cohort:  Fall 2026 class schedule.

Spanish cohort: Horario de clases Otoño 2026.

IPL graduates consistently describe the course as empowering, transformative and life changing. Here are examples of what our graduates say:

“I gained the skills and knowledge I was hoping for when I first joined this course. I learned how to communicate my advocacy message clearly, speak with more confidence, and organize my ideas in a way that connects with an audience. I also gained a better understanding of how to listen, collaborate, and use my personal experiences to support the issues I care about.”

“This free course should be a requirement for parents and others who want to advocate for what is best for families. I learned so much, it changed my life.”

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable skills and insights I have gained through your guidance. Your commitment to teaching advocacy, family engagement and the intricacies of navigating school district systems has been truly transformative.”

“This course gave me more than just knowledge, it gave me confidence, clarity, and a place where I felt safe to show up, learn and grow. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. It truly made a difference.”

Space is limited. To register, please complete the form below.

Questions? programs@wafamilyengagement.org

Registration Form

Para completar el formulario en Español. Seleccione la pestaña “Para la clase de Español haga clic aquí”.