Family engagement is based on the idea that healthy families create healthy communities, and are built on the same successes as far as academic, social, and emotional health. While SU students provide direct service to youth in school, the Youth Initiative's "cradle to career" pipeline of support would be incomplete without also working with parents to support literacy, economic literacy, and navigating the education system.  Here are some of the programs that support

 Hope University:

Hope University is an adult education program for adults and caregivers for those who have children ages three – five years old.  This family literacy program combines English Language Learning, provided by Literacy Source (a regional leader in Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning), in a 24-week curriculum running from November through June.  Child development curriculum for preschool-aged children is provided by Child Care Resources, and Literacy Source uses this as the base to provide English language instruction.  The program complements the Read Out Loud Early (ROLE) program that provides kindergarten readiness through a Peace Education curriculum.

 Strengthening Families Program:

The Strengthening Families Program is a seven week parenting program for both parents and children ages 11-14.  An evidence-based skills family skills training program housed at Washington State University, SFP has been found to significantly reduce behavior problems, delinquency, and increase school performance.  In the 2012-2013 year, SFP ran a pilot this fall.  From this pilot, parent leaders have been identified to complete the SFP training to become trainers for 

Redhawk Reading Program:

The Redhawk Reading Program utilizes a grant from Target to provide literacy materials to families at Bailey Gatzert.  This year, the program chose to focus on reaching out to all kindergarten families at the school.  Lead staff works with the kindergarten team to decide on materials for distribution and a timeline for distribution.  Materials include: six months of High Five Magazine (a version of Highlights for younger children), picture dictionaries, sight word flashcards, individual letter flash cards, Bob Books, and a variety of literacy games that connect reinforce phonemic awareness.