From design to implementation
Cohort 1 with Urban College of Boston is full. Cohort 2 with Middlesex Community College is now open — registration closes September 9, 2026.
Join Our Program →Who's in the pilot
Cohort 1 — Urban College of Boston
The first cohort of 20 parent leaders, representing 7 sponsoring agencies, is now full.
Cohort 2 — Middlesex Community College · Now Open
Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 cohort in partnership with Middlesex Community College. Course: SOC 110: Community Leadership & Organizing — Mon & Wed, 12:30–1:45 PM · September 9 – December 23, 2026 · 100% Online.
Credentialing Kickoff: August 31, 2026 at 6:30 PM · Registration closes September 9, 2026
Two awards. Both yours to keep.
Mass ParentCorps Credential
A new, emerging credential gaining statewide recognition across Massachusetts — a formal mark of your parent leadership expertise and community impact.
3–9 College Credits
Earned through Urban College — credits you can apply toward future certificates, associate's degrees, and advanced degrees on your own timeline.
Do You Qualify?
Spots are limited. To participate, applicants must meet all of the following:
60 Hours of Leadership Experience
At least 60 hours of community leadership experience as a Parent Leader, Family Advocate, Community Organizer, or similar role. Hours can be combined from multiple organizations.
8 Hours of Leadership Training
At least 8 hours of approved parent leadership training completed before applying.
High School Diploma or GED
Participants must have a High School Diploma, GED, or higher level of education to enroll.
English Proficiency
The course is taught entirely in English. Participants must be proficient in English to fully participate and complete assignments.
Agency Referral Required
Participants must be referred by a sponsoring community-based organization. Contact your organization or reach out to massparentcorps.org to learn more.
How the program works
Six components that together build a recognized, emerging Parent Leadership Workforce Credential.
Leadership Experience (60 hrs)
At least 60 hours of parent leadership experience, verifiable through your sponsoring organization.
- Facilitating meetings
- Organizing programs
- Community outreach
- Advocacy
Leadership Training (8 hrs)
At least 8 hours of approved leadership training completed through a partner organization before the course begins.
College Credit Course
SOC 110: Community Leadership & Organizing, offered in partnership with Middlesex Community College (Cohort 2). Mon & Wed, 12:30–1:45 PM · September 9 – December 23, 2026 · 100% Online. Taught in English — participants must be proficient in English to fully participate and complete assignments.
- Leadership
- Community engagement
- Workforce preparation
Applied Learning Project
Participants complete an Applied Learning Project connected to their organization and community.
- Improving outreach to families
- Developing engagement strategies
- Organizing community resource events
Community Learning Sessions
Structured sessions that connect participants with peers and practitioners across Massachusetts.
Evaluations & Graduation
Participants complete program evaluations and graduate with their credential and college credits upon successful completion.
Questions guiding
the pilot
What workforce skills are most important for parent leaders transitioning into staff roles
How leadership experience can be recognized as professional preparation
How academic learning strengthens leadership practice
How organizations can create hiring pathways for parent leaders
How the model can expand across Massachusetts
How we partner and measure
Founding Community Partners
Mass ParentCorps collaborates with founding community-based organizations that engage parents as leaders.
- Families First
- East Boston Social Centers
- Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts
- Union Capital Boston
Academic Partnership
Urban College of Boston partnered on Cohort 1. Middlesex Community College is the academic partner for Cohort 2 (Fall 2026), offering 3 college credits through SOC 110: Community Leadership & Organizing.
- Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Evaluation
The pilot will be evaluated in partnership with NYU Metro Center under the leadership of Joanna Geller.
- Develop a logic model
- Measure leadership skill development
- Assess workforce readiness
- Document lessons learned
Interested in partnering?
We welcome conversations with organizations, educators, researchers, and community leaders.