Webinars & Workshops
The Latino Policy Forum offers in-person and online workshops in English and Spanish for parents, community members, and potential school partners. Below you’ll find our workshops on Early Childhood and K-12, Middle and High School, Higher Education, and Safe and Healthy Living.
Contact Brian Herrera, Community Engagement Manager, for more information.
Early Childhood & K-12 Workshops
Making Positive Connections That Will Last a Lifetime
Long-standing studies find that birth to age five is one of the most important years for influencing the foundation of a child’s learning. This workshop will focus on helping parents support their child’s developmental areas: cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social-emotional. Parents will be equipped to support their children and increase their school readiness by turning daily activities into learning experiences for their children.
Supporting Well-Being at Home
Research links economic hardship to academic and social-emotional challenges. This workshop will help parents recognize stressors, develop stress management skills, and establish routines that support well-being and learning. Parents will also learn about mental health and community resources.
The Power of Enrolling Your Child in a Pre-K Program with Bilingual Education Services
Parents will be informed about the current research of the University of Chicago School Research Consortium and what it means for young students who come from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The workshop will review the long-term impacts of bilingual education from pre-K through eighth grade. In addition, this session will equip parents and caregivers with tools to be advocates for their children’s education.
Early Childhood Advocacy 101
The Advocacy 101 training is designed to provide an overview to staff of educational organizations and families on the importance of advocacy, particularly as it relates to the involvement of elected officials. This training provides an overview of the importance of advocacy, budgeting, and the legislative process in the state of Illinois, and the communication tools that can be used to build buy-in around particular issues in education.
Understanding our Children: Child and Adolescent Development
Child and adolescent development is a complex process that encompasses several aspects of a child’s life, including academic performance, relationships with parents, and relationships with peers. Understanding the development of children and adolescents is crucial for parents, educators, and caregivers to provide appropriate support and guidance. By understanding the different stages of development, adults can create environments that foster children’s growth, learning, and positive relationships.
English Learners: Who are they and How do we support them?
English learners face unique challenges in acquiring language skills while also learning academic content. Effective instruction for English learners incorporates language development and content learning. Collaboration between educators, families, and communities is essential to supporting English learners. This presentation provides a comprehensive understanding of all components within Bilingual Education programs.
Illinois Seal of Biliteracy
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, a recognition for high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. Participants will learn about the program’s purpose, eligibility criteria, benefits for students and schools, and the state guidelines that ensure consistent implementation. The presentation outlines steps for districts to establish a Seal program, approved language assessments, and pathways students can follow to earn the Seal. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how the Seal supports academic achievement, college readiness, and recognition of multilingualism statewide.
Dual Language Education
This presentation introduces the fundamentals of Dual Language Education, including its purpose, program models, and extensive benefits. Attendees will explore both One-Way and Two-Way program models, understand how these programs support academic achievement, cognitive development, cultural competence and career opportunities. The presentation also outlines practical steps for launching a Dual Language program, including planning, staffing, funding, and community engagement. Families and schools will learn strategies to support and advocate for multilingual education. Participants will be equipped to advocate for Dual Language programs that benefit students and school communities.
Middle School & High School Workshops
Investing in the Future: When is a good time to start thinking about college?
Find out how your actions today can shape your child’s future. Learn why your high school grade point average is a crucial factor in college admissions and how maintaining a strong academic record can open doors for you. Understand the importance of constant attendance to demonstrate your commitment and responsibility to future universities. Find out how to choose courses strategically, aligned with your academic interests and meeting the university’s requirements. Recognize the essential role of parent support in guiding and supporting your journey to high school and college. See how fostering good attendance habits and helping with course selection can put you on the path to success. Join us and take the first step towards a bright and successful future!
Navigating the “College Ready” Journey
Join us for an empowering and informative workshop designed to equip high school students and parents with the essential skills and knowledge to safely transition to college life. “How to Be College Ready” is your roadmap to success, providing invaluable insights and practical advice to ensure a smooth entry into higher education. Some highlights include Navigating the College Application Process, Mastering Time Management, Financial Literacy for College Students, Developing Strong Study Habits, Developing Essential Life Skills, and Creating a Support Network.
Higher Education Workshops
Culturally responsive, bilingual workshops rooted in lived experience, storytelling, and practical strategies. These sessions are designed to uplift college students, inform higher education practitioners, guide families, and inspire educational success. Each workshop is interactive, engaging, and tailored to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Policy & Advocacy 101
Policy influences every aspect of our lives, from tuition costs to who gets access to higher education. In this interactive workshop, students will learn how advocacy and civic engagement can create lasting change on their campuses and in their communities. Participants will leave with tools to identify issues they care about, strategies to engage with policymakers, and the confidence to use their voice for impact.
Ideal Audience: High school & college students, student leaders, civic engagement centers
Cultural Wealth & Belonging
Too often, educational systems approach students and families from Communities of Color through a deficit lens, asking what they lack instead of seeing the strengths they already carry. This workshop invites participants to explore Dr. Tara Yosso’s framework of Community Cultural Wealth (Yosso, 2005), which identifies six powerful forms of capital that students from marginalized communities bring into schools: aspirational, familial, linguistic, resistant, social, and navigational.
Ideal Audience: High school & college students, student leaders, and student organizations
Navigating College
Navigating College is an empowering workshop for high school students and families that outlines what each year of high school should look like while offering practical strategies to prepare for college. Participants will learn how to navigate the application process, build strong study habits, develop life skills, understand financial basics, and create a support system. Parents will also gain insights on how to stay engaged and support their child’s journey from high school freshman to college entry.
Ideal Audience: High school students and parents
The Road to Graduation: Strategies for College Success
The college experience is more than academics, it’s about navigating systems, building a strong network community, and staying resilient. This session equips students with practical strategies for time management, accessing campus resources, goal setting, and building habits that lead to a bachelor’s degree.
Ideal Audience: College students and high school parents
Supporting your Transition to College
Now that you’ve received your college acceptance, what comes next? This workshop is designed to guide senior students and their families through the essential steps following a college acceptance. Participants will learn about the process of accepting an intent to enroll, preparing for placement exams, attending orientation, navigating financial aid, and effectively planning for a smooth transition to college.
Ideal Audience: High school seniors and parents
What Does it Mean to be a Student Ready Institution?
This workshop challenges higher education practitioners to rethink what it means to support student success in higher education. Rather than asking if students are ready for college, we explore what it takes for institutions
to be truly ready for today’s diverse student populations. This session invites participants to reflect, re-imagine, and commit to creating more inclusive, responsive, and equity-driven learning environments.
Ideal Audience: Higher education administrators, faculty, and staff
Safe and Healthy Living Workshop
This workshop is designed to empower you with tools and resources to support yourself, your loved ones, and community. In this workshop, we will provide a:
- Overview of impacted communities
- Review of federal, state, and local protections
- Introduction to family safety planning
- Key messages & resources
View pre-recorded sessions, upcoming dates, and register below.
View the pre-recorded session here.
Webinar Dates:
More coming soon!
Fechas en español: Se anunciarán pronto.
View the pre-recorded session here.
Webinar Dates:
More coming soon!
Fechas en español: Se anunciarán pronto.
Pre-recorded session: Coming soon!
Live Webinar Dates: More coming soon!
This session is for two-and four-year higher education practitioners (advisors, staff, and faculty). It will address the immigration factors impacting the overall well-being, belonging, and retention rates of students in Illinois. In this workshop, participants will learn about:
– Review of local, state, and federal laws, and protections
– Impact on academic success
– Identify anxiety and stress among students
– Safety planning for college educators
– Advocacy on college campuses
– Self-care
– Resources
In-person presentations of Safe & Healthy Living may be available for groups of 50 or more (for Higher Education Leaders & Educators 10+). To request an in-person presentation, please complete this form.
