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

We rely on the expertise of partners to teach the topics that are not our expertise.  If there is a topic that you or your organization knows a lot about and would empower parents, consider partnering with the 21st Century Texas Lufkin ISD  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