Is the
organization tax-exempt?
Yes, Parents Step Ahead is tax-exempt as a 501c-3 nonprofit
organization. Contributions are tax deductible.
Who are
the board members of Parents Step Ahead?
Lupita Colmenero (Chair) - Associate Publisher, El Hispano
News & Founder, Parents Step Ahead
Robert Bard (Vice Chair) – CEO & President, LATINA Style
Magazine
Hector Flores (Secretary) – Dir. of Human Resources, DISD
Veronica Torres (Treasurer) – Dir. of Diversity &
Community Relations, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau
Frank Gómez – Exec. Dir., External Relations,
Communications & Public Affairs, Educational Testing Service
Roger Guzman – Sr. Manager of Hispanic Markets, Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc.
Michael Crotty - Principal FM Gilbert Elementary
Susie Garcia - Business Consultant - Greater
Southwest Region McDonald's USA, LLC
Fred Maldonado - Regional Director - External Affairs
AT&T Texas
Pamela Salazar - Director, Communications & Community
Outreach for Market Vision
Programs
What type
of events/programs are held?
Parents Step Ahead works in partnership with Dallas/Ft.
Worth area school districts, corporations and community
organizations to offer series of school-based events for
disadvantage and minority parents throughout the calendar year.
Educators, motivational speakers, community volunteers and
parenting experts present seminars on topics such as gang
awareness, drug use prevention, underage drinking, computer
literacy, Internet Safety, etc.
In December,
the yearlong program concludes with a Gala Awards Ceremony
recognizing the Parents Step Ahead “Parents of the Year”.
When and
where are seminar events held?
Seminar events are held in local schools throughout the
school year either after school or on the weekend. Please see
our event calendar for exact locations and dates/times.
Is there
a cost to attend the events?
Events are free and include a free
meal, free child care and free gift
raffles, culminating in the raffle of computers and printers.
Registration is required to guarantee sufficient seating and
meals.
Who can
participate in the events?
Parents with children in school can attend the seminars in
their school district.
How can I
get my child’s school involved?
Please speak with the school principal or district
administration regarding Parents Step Ahead seminar events. They
can contact Parents Step Ahead directly regarding bringing
programs to their schools.
What
topics are discussed at the events?
Educators, motivational speakers, community volunteers and
parenting experts present seminars on topics such as gang
awareness, drug use prevention, underage drinking, computer
literacy, Internet Safety, etc. More information on topics can
be found on this page of our website.
How would
I benefit in participating in the events?
The main goal of Parents Step Ahead is to get parents
involved in their child’s educational and professional
development. As many know, parents who are involved in their
child’s life, the child tends to succeed in school.
In addition,
those who attend the seminar events have a chance to win a
personal computer system for their family among other raffle
prizes.
How can I
volunteer at the events?
To volunteer to assist with the seminar events or the end of
the year Gala Awards Ceremony please
register online
or contact Parents Step Ahead at (214) 357-2186.
Parent of the Year
What is
the “Parent of the Year” award?
The “Parent of the Year” award goes to a group of parents
who have attended a Parents Step Ahead seminar event and were
nominated by their child. These are parents who have been
exceptional role models in their child’s lives and have made a
genuine effort in being involved in their child’s education and
personal development.
How can I
nominate or be nominated?
“Parent of the Year” winners are selected based on program
participation and 2 essays; one written by the parent on the
importance of parental involvement in a child’s life, and a
second essay written by their child on why their parent or legal
guardian should be “Parent of the Year”.
A selection
committee composed of local and national community and corporate
leaders selects the winning essays.
When is
the deadline to submit essays?
Essays are usually due at the end of October. Essays from
both the parent and child must be submitted for review. They can
be given to the school principal or sent by mail to Parents Step
Ahead.
When is
the “Parent of the Year” awarded?
The “Parent of the Year” award is given during a special
Gala event held in the beginning of December.
Sponsorship
Information
What ways
can my company become involved with Parents Step Ahead?
Companies can become involved in Parents Step Ahead in a
variety of ways from grants, sponsorships, in-kind donations,
employee volunteer participation, etc. Visit our
sponsor
information section for more information.
Which
companies have sponsored the program?
Here is a list of our major contributors:
