Signature Family Engagement Program (SFEP)

Families participating in SFEP better understand how to navigate school systems, access relevant information for student success, and college admission requirements. Over 8 weeks in 90 minute in-person or virtual increments, parents with children enrolled in K-12 schooling receive training, skills, and knowledge they need to help their students successfully navigate academic spaces and persist toward high school graduation and successful outcomes in higher education. Topics include information around standardized tests, financial aid, understanding the GPA calculation, learning about various staff and faculty roles in academic spaces, and knowledge regarding A-G requirements— a necessity for students aiming to enter the CSU and/or UC system in California. The majority of the families PIQE serves are Latine, and in many cases, newcomers with limited or no English proficiency, a household income of less than $60k/year, and a cursory understanding of the U.S. school system. The SFEP equips them with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children's long-term success. A positive side-effect is the social networks parents create and the increased levels of self-efficacy that they report.