Parent Leading Beyond the Classroom: Impacting thousands of students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members

Last month, we hosted our fourth annual “Beyond the Classroom” celebration of all our partner efforts. Beyond the Classroom brings together parent mentors, partner organizations and school representatives to recognize the collective efforts strengthening school communities. 

Leading up to the celebration, participants were invited to design and implement an event or project conceived, planned, and executed by parent mentors based on an issue they want to address at their school or community. These efforts reflected an opportunity to practice and gain new leadership skills by organizing an event, action, or campaign that is connected to the needs of our school/community. Parent Mentors build this project with the help of their coordinators, organizers for their school and/or community.

This year, Parent Mentors organized over 100 events statewide— included food drives, field days, Dia de los Ninos and other cultural celebrations. Some 8,000 people participated in total! 

Just to name two examples: 

• Greater Auburn Gresham Community Development’s Parent Mentors at Cook Elementary held a “Cook’s Parent Mentor Food Giveaway” served approximately 140 families, addressing food insecurity and supporting those affected by recent changes in SNAP benefits. The initiative brought together school staff, parent mentors and community members, with principals and staff assisting in food distribution. Families expressed deep gratitude for the support, while students looked forward to receiving snacks ahead of spring break.

• Throughout the school year, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council’s Food Support Response Effort (FSRE) brought together parent mentors, schools and community partners to address food insecurity across Brighton Park. The initiative served more than 1,102 families through over 10 food distribution efforts, including community food drives and home deliveries for families impacted by economic hardship and immigration-related concerns. 

These efforts demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions—where powerful parents are building powerful communities through collaboration, compassion and shared purpose. 

As parents organize, lead and partner with schools and community organizations, they help create community-centered schools, strengthen classrooms and expand opportunities for students and families alike. In the process, parents grow as leaders, shaping meaningful change and fostering lasting impact across their homes, schools and communities.  

This work matters because parent mentors are leaders whose influence goes far beyond supporting students academically. Through these projects, they help shape the school and community they envision.  As trusted voices and decision-makers, parent mentors are uniquely positioned to lead collective action and create lasting change that reflects the needs and dreams of their community.