PARENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE (PLTI)  

At United Way, we know that family engagement plays a critical role in a child’s overall health and life success. PLTI is a 20-week training experience that changes the lives of individuals and entire communities. Parents learn the links between culture, change management, and innovation, as well as successful change initiatives, all while growing their own personal network.

Fill out the form below if you are interested in joining PLTI Spring 2026!

What is PLTI?  

The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a growing movement with 30 years of experience across the country. It is locally sponsored by a partnership between Workforce Alliance and the United Way of Greater New Haven.

PLTI equips parents and caregivers to effectively advocate for their children and their communities. Throughout the 20-weeks, participants learn about legislation, policy making, advocacy, and government structure.

This institute is a community-driven collaborative focused on cultivating healthier, more inclusive communities and systems in which all communities thrive. Participation in the Greater New Haven PLTI is free of charge. All that is required is your time, commitment, and the successful completion of a community project that reflects your passion.

Who is PLTI for?

We welcome parents and caregivers who see themselves as positive changemakers for the children in their lives and community. This can include those who are: aunt/uncles, foster parents, co-parents, older siblings taking care of younger family members, parents to be, and teachers/youth workers, childcare providers, and babysitters.   
 

2025 Graduating Class 

What is the Commitment?  

The PLTI season kicks off with a full-day retreat (required), to build relationships and develop goals for the cohort. This is followed by a 20-week series of 3-hour weekly sessions:   

• Weeks 1-10: Personal Leadership - who you are as a parent leader.   
• Weeks 11-20: Government, Policy, and Media - how to claim your voice in these arenas 

Each participant creates a community project that addresses a local issue the participant is passionate about. Projects are completed with support from the PLTI Coordinator and community mentors.  

What is Provided? 

In addition to 20 weeks of leadership experience, participants receive: 

• Training Supplies & Support
• Childcare - childcare stipends provided during weekly sessions for toddlers, infants, or young children 
• Food - We provide each weekly session with a family meal  
• Transportation Assistance - to get to/from each session if needed 
• Employment Resources - Additional resources, supports, and services through the American Job Center
• Participation Stipend - $500 for those who successfully complete PLTI
• Certificate & Graduation Celebration

What is the Selection Process?  

Candidates are selected from a pool of diverse applicants by the Civic Design Team

What is the Impact of PLTI?  

Graduates of previous PLTI cohorts have pursued community projects such as: providing 3- and 4-year-olds with access to pre-school; ensuring school calendars reflect the holidays for their expanding communities; developing an education and training program by and for refugees; and facilitating cooking classes for elementary-aged youth through local schools.  

Each class of leaders will join a PLTI Alumni Group where they may continue their community projects and mentor the next class, creating an enhanced effect of community caring and developing a coalition of parent leaders.  

Contact

Have questions? Call or text JoAnne Wilcox, Family Engagement and Leadership Coordinator at 203.952.4743 or email jwilcox@uwgnh.org.