2025-2026 Afterschool Program Application
What is Parent University?
The 21st Century Texas ACE Parent University is designed to educate and empower parents as partners, advocates, and lifelong teachers in their child's education through FREE educational events, workshops and leadership opportunities.
The program goal is to provide parents with information about educational expectations, as well as valuable skills and knowledge that benefit both families and children (i.e., parenting skills, budgeting, nutrition courses etc.). Parent University promotes an inclusive culture, in which participants feel welcome and valued in their school community.
Why do we offer Parent University?
Successful families create a successful Lufkin community. The 21st Century Texas ACE Parent University provides parents with opportunities to engage with their children and community and empowers parents to become partners in their children’s education - all in an effort to help Lufkin families thrive.
What Parent University Offers:
Each year over 300 FREE meaningful workshops, events and multi-session classes are offered to all our families in the following areas:
(Spanish interpretation is offered at these sessions)
Computer Training Classes
Financial Literacy
Supporting Learning at Home
Parent Leadership and Advocacy
GED, ESL, US Citizenship Classes
Health & Wellness
Parenting Classes
When & Where We Offer Events:
Events take place at various school sites, at the District Education Center, in the community and online.
Check out our Calendar of Events ( here) to see when events are offered and click here to sign-up.
For more information about any of the classes, call (936) 634-0058 or email : cgowen@lufkinisd.org
Parent University Partners:
The 21st Century Texas Ace Lufkin ISD Program partners with a variety of local community organizations, non-profits, and businesses to make Parent University possible.
Below is our list of contributing partners that make Parent University possible!
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas ( P.A.D.R.E.S. Program)
Angelina Arts Alliance
Angelina County & Cities Health District
All Pro Dad
Angelina College Adult Education Center
Bancorp South-Cadence Bank
Book Buddies of East Texas
Deep East Texas Council of Governments
East Texas Alliance of Hope
East Texas Food Bank
Family Crisis Center of East Texas
Goodwill Industries of East Texas
Kurth Memorial Library
Lufkin ISD
AHA - Certified BLS instructor Jennifer Free
Professional and Digital Learning Department
Communications Department: Jennifer McQuilken
Counseling Department: Melinda Cole, Teresa Colvin, Jennifer Oliphant,
Museum Of East Texas
Parent Café Family Chats
RezilientKidz
Stephen F. Austin State University:
Department of Languages Cultures & Communications
School of Art
Schlief School of Accountancy
Department of Kinesiology & Health Science
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
The Coalition
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Workforce Solutions of East Texas
Partner with Us!
Teach at Parent University
Helping Hands
Helping Hands is the volunteer program of Parent University. We always look to individual volunteers and volunteer groups to help us out with various events.
If you would like to teach at Parent University or volunteer at an event, get in touch with us!
Contact Information:
Yaritza Romero
Family Engagement Specialist
21st Century Texas ACE
Lufkin ISD
District Education Center
701 N. First St.
Lufkin, Texas 75901
Tel: 936-634-0058
cgowen@lufkinisd.org