Free online classes to help parents understand Washington's education and government systems

Washington Family Engagement is pleased to announce the Fall 2026 cohort of the Institute for Parent Leadership (IPL), a free online leadership course for parents, caregivers, and family-serving professionals. Offered in English and Spanish, the course is open to parents statewide.

Classes begin online on Saturday, October 3, and end with a graduation ceremony on December 12, 2026.

The IPL is a free 10-week, 5-hours per week, virtual course that helps participants understand Washington’s education and government systems, partner with schools, engage in their children’s learning, and participate confidently in civic life. 

Parents from rural and urban communities across Washington meet on a weeknight and Saturday mornings to learn with and from one another.

More than 860 parent leaders have graduated from IPL across Washington, and their involvement continues after graduation. Through WAFE’s statewide Parent Network, graduates build relationships, organize around shared priorities, and strengthen parent-led civic action statewide.

“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.” 2025 IPL graduate