Civics is
Our Jam
How About Yours?
NPLI at the
Civic Learning Week National Forum
Civic Education at 250
March 9–10, 2026 | Philadelphia, PA
Welcome, Civic Learning Week National Forum attendees!
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you ran into someone from the National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) during the Civic Learning Week National Forum… or you scanned a QR code from one of our slides or materials.
Whatever the case, we're glad you stopped by! Below you’ll find details about our roundtable session, the research spotlight featuring PLTI and CLTI, and a few ways to keep the conversation going.
Sessions Featuring NPLI
During the Civic Learning Week National Forum, NPLI is participating in a roundtable conversation on family civics and intergenerational leadership. Later in the program, research from NYU Metro Center will also highlight the impact of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) and Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) as models for intergenerational civic learning. Please see below for more details and resources from these sessions.
Building Power Together: How Family Civics Strengthens Democracy Across Generations
Roundatable Session
Presenter:
Zulema Gomez
Director of Implementation
National Parent Leadership Institute
Tuesday, March 10
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Commonwealth Hall B
Session Description
Young people are increasingly disconnected from democracy. Only 16% of young adults believe democracy works well for them, and many young people say their voices do not matter in public decision-making. Parents share similar concerns, with many reporting that elected officials do not reflect the needs of young people.
These challenges are especially pronounced for youth of color, young people from lower-income households, and those who have had fewer opportunities to build civic knowledge and skills.
The Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) and Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) address this challenge through a two-generation approach that brings parents and children together for a 20-week civic leadership experience.
This session shares a research-informed, equity-centered model that strengthens democracy by supporting families as civic learning ecosystems.
Session Resources
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NPLI Handout
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PLTI Handout
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National Parent Leadership Institute Website
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Parent's Leadership Training Institute Website
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Children's Leadership Training Institute Website
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NYU: Lessons from a Mixed Methods Study on Intergenerational Civic Development
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Building Power Together: Family Civics in Communities of Color Study
The work shared in our roundtable is also being explored through ongoing research. Later in the forum, NYU Metro Center will present findings from a mixed methods study examining how PLTI and CLTI support intergenerational civic learning and leadership.
The Children’s and Parent Leadership Training Institute: Lessons from a Mixed Methods Study on Intergenerational Civic Development
Spotlight Talk
Presenter:
Joanna Geller, PhD
Director of Policy, Research, and Evaluation
NYU Metro Center
Tuesday, March 10
10:00 – 10:05 AM
Millennium Hall
2nd Floor, Loews
Session Description
This spotlight talk highlights research examining how families learn and practice civic leadership together through the Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) and Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI).
Drawing on a multi-year mixed methods study of these programs, the research explores how intergenerational civic learning strengthens both family relationships and democratic participation. The study includes interviews with families, program observations, focus groups with alumni, and national survey data tracking long-term civic engagement.
Findings show that when parents and children learn about civic leadership together, families report lasting increases in civic confidence, knowledge, and participation. These shared learning experiences also deepen conversations about community issues at home and help young people develop a stronger sense that their voices matter in shaping their communities.
The session offers insights for educators, researchers, and community organizations interested in building civic learning environments that engage families across generations.
Family Leadership For A Healthy Democracy
The National Parent Leadership Institute works with communities across the country to build the leadership skills of parents and caregivers so they can participate in civic life and help shape the systems that affect children and families.
Two of the primary ways we do this work are through the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) and the Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI), two initiatives that take a two-generation approach to civic learning and leadership development.
Together, these initiatives help families build the knowledge, confidence, and relationships needed to lead change in their communities.
Ready to Connect?
If you attended our session or stopped by to chat during the Civic Learning Week National Forum, we’d love to hear from you. Use the information below to reach out or learn more about our work.