Engaging Families Initiative (EFI)

Based on the abundance of research currently available, there is growing evidence that out-of-school-time programs contribute to the informal learning of children and have a positive effect on their cognitive, social and emotional development. In addition, research illustrates that when parents and the community are actively involved and engaged in supporting out-of-school-time and other informal learning opportunities for children, the benefit is even greater. Our Engaging Families Initiative’s overarching goal of actively engaging parents in their children’s academic success does so by uniting, supporting and expanding upon existing community resources.

EFI aims to lay a foundation for active parental involvement in student learning while the children are in the earliest grades. EFI utilizes research-based practices for afterschool programs and communities to increase family involvement, as well as to have an impact on children’s learning. Through community-wide partnerships, practitioners develop model programs and proven strategies for increasing family engagement by using methods that achieve measurable and sustainable results.

Target Audience
Black and Latino parents with children between the ages of 6 and 10 living in Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, East Boston, and the South End.

Opportunities to Build Stronger Families and Stronger Communities
The research plainly states that today’s children and youth need strong networks of support in order to grow into healthy, responsible, and self-sufficient adults. As a community leader, you are in a position to contribute to the positive development of youth by providing critical resources for the families of Greater Boston.

EFI Providers

If you have an idea for an EFI sponsorship opportunity that you would like to share with us, please contact Briget Jevens in our Social Marketing office at bjevens@uwmb.org.