JerseyCAN, the only statewide advocacy organization in New Jersey committed to ensuring access to high-quality public schools for every child regardless of zip code, cultural background, and socioeconomic status, announced today that it is now accepting applications for both JerseyCAN’s NJ Parent Fellowship and its Virtual Parent Training Program.  Created last year, both initiatives were designed in response to the massive parent interest in advancing student outcomes in the State’s public school system.   In addition, both initiatives are designed to provide support that assists and equips parents with the tools to build a deeper understanding of education policy, strengthen advocacy skills, and collaborate to drive meaningful change. The applications for both programs are due on September 24, 2023. New Jersey parents interested in applying can find the applications HERE.

“JerseyCAN launched the NJ Parent Fellowship and its Virtual Parent Training Program to inform and strengthen the voice of New Jersey parents,” stated JerseyCAN Executive Director Paula White. “As we see on the local level and in news reports throughout the State, parents demand more information about their schools, greater access to key officials, and the ability to create positive change.  Parents throughout the Garden State are ready to make a difference and strengthen the impact they are already making right now. Through our various programs, JerseyCAN continues to invest in and support the next generation of education advocates. We are very excited to bring together new cohorts of parents to both of these valuable programs and thankful for the local elected officials and education experts who play such a valuable role in providing this kind of needed opportunity to New Jersey.”

Now recruiting its second cohort, JerseyCAN’s Parent Fellowship provides a stipend of $3,000 to compensate Fellows for their time and commitment to this work.  The Fellowship will run from October 2023 to April 2024 and deepen parents’ understanding of advocacy, connect them to a network of like-minded New Jersey parent advocates, and provide an environment where Fellows can strategize and execute action at the local or statewide level. Utilizing JerseyCAN’s strong relationships with elected officials and policymakers in Trenton, the Fellowship will also connect parents directly with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle as well as present and former New Jersey Department of Education members and various national education leaders. Samantha Wilkerson, public affairs manager at JerseyCAN and a dedicated advocate for equitable education opportunities, will lead the day-to-day operations of the Fellowship.  

JerseyCAN’s Virtual Parent Training Program is an online initiative aimed at supporting parents who may be unable to fully commit to a year-long Fellowship but still want to advance their understanding of the basics of advocacy and how they can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. Many alumni from the virtual training program have gone on to participate in the Parent Fellowship.  

About JerseyCAN
JerseyCAN is a nonprofit organization that advocates for high-quality educational opportunities for all New Jersey students, regardless of their address. JerseyCAN works in partnership with education leaders, parents, students, and other stakeholders from across the State to remove policy barriers and create new proactive policy measures. JerseyCAN has secured key policy wins that have advanced its mission, including more equitable school funding, growth in the number of high-quality new schools in our State—particularly in Newark and Camden—and high standards and aligned assessments. Part of JerseyCAN’s strength as a leader and convener in the education landscape is because of the leadership of our 11-member advisory board; since its inception in 2013, the JerseyCAN board has been co-chaired by former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean and Ann Borowiec, former CEO, J.P. Morgan Private Banking.