Parent University, United States
About Parent University
Mona Partner Since 2019
Founded in 2002, Parent University helps to break the cycle of persistent generational poverty and crime in Savannah, Georgia by educating parents on how to enhance their parenting, life, and leadership skills. Their simple but revolutionary approach recognizes that parents are the first teachers of their children and helps parents be more involved in their education. Parent University is a whole family model. Mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and children all come to celebrate learning and community.
The Challenge
The neighborhoods that Parent University serves are among the poorest in Savannah, with 95% of residents living under the US poverty line. For this population, 97% of whom are African American, the school system has consistently failed to provide the support and resources families need to thrive.
The Solution: Parent University Programs
Traditional Programs
Traditional programs serve the parents of children of all ages. Training sessions are offered for both parenting skills and life skills, and courses are designed with input from the community. Sessions are generally held at a local High School and attract 150-200 parents each.
Early Learning College
Early Learning College offers weekend trainings on parenting skills for parents of children from birth to 5 years old, which is the stage of life in which the vast majority of brain development occurs. Held in local elementary schools or community centers, the trainings are tailored to attract parents in each neighborhood area.
Tech College
Tech College was launched in 2020 to help parents fill the technology gaps they were experiencing due to a lack of devices or internet service, or in understanding how to use them, or both. Training sessions are created by Tech College instructors. Classes begin with basic knowledge and maintenance and expand to using software and learning about cybersecurity and online threats.
Voices of Parent University
Participants share how Parent University has equipped them with knowledge to pass down to their children and welcomed them into a supportive community.
How we help
Mona Foundation began partnering with Parent University in 2019 and helps fund their sessions and provide educational materials, including access to technology.
Parent University has served as an agent of change in the city of Savannah for over 20 years. Change has come not only to parents’ access to education and empowerment, but also to the improved lives of their children, their family, and their friends.
Parent University's 2025 Graduation
Celebrating the graduates of Parent University as speakers reflect on this milestone.
2025 Achievements
- 1,485 parents trained in parenting and life skills in support of their children’s education and wellbeing, more than double last year's participation for the Savannah chapter
- 154 parents graduated from the Savannah chapter
- 628 new families joined in the Savannah-Chatham County area
- National replication expanding with active programs in Pensacola, Atlanta, and Chicago
2026 Plans - $40,000
- Engage 2,000 parents through increased outreach to high-needs neighborhoods
- Expand workshop series on child development, academic support, family literacy, and leadership
- Establish Savannah chapter as a training hub for new chapters in Stockton, Philadelphia, Atlanta, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Gambia
Parent University News
Breaking Generational Poverty
December 2023 - Parent University in Savannah, Georgia works to break the cycle of persistent generational poverty by training parents and caregivers to enhance their parenting, life, and leadership skills and become effective advocates of their children in schools.
Celebrating its 25th year, Parent University’s Savannah program emerged as both a local engagement hub and a training ground for new locations and diverse communities. This year, efforts expanded to reach into the Hispanic community by offering sessions in Spanish and in more intimate settings like barber shops and hair salons. Virtual sessions were also offered to serve participants unable to attend in-person. Attendance remains steady, with a significant influx of new participants each session.
Expansion to Pensacola, Florida
The community of Pensacola, Florida became Parent University’s first outreach location in October 2020 with the official launch of Parent University Pensacola. City and county government officials, community leaders, agencies and individuals have all met their new community program with excitement and support. Parents have also shown much enthusiasm with growing attendance at each of PU’s virtual events.
Over the years, Parent University's proven educational model has attracted the attention and interest of other communities and organizations throughout the United States, While replicating it requires strong relationships and dedication to community, Pensacola certainly seems up to the task! We look forward to watching them grow and blossom in the years to come.
While many companies and organizations shutdown and services were halted, Parent University did the opposite. Not one event was canceled as the team understood the gravity of the situation and the increased needs of their members. Parents were now homeschooling their children whether they were prepared or not. Some were unable to go to work with children at home, while others lost their income due to shutdowns. Families were facing many hardships and Parent University was determined to be there for its community members. Events immediately moved to a virtual platform. Staff worked together to ensure all forms of communications were being used to keep members connected. Additional events were added throughout the month of June 2020 to relay urgent and relevant information and resources, including health education, food distribution events, mental health and well-being awareness, and homeschooling support. The Parent University family was strong with attendance at 100+ per online event.
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