Families are more likely to participate when the why is clear.

Key Messages to Communicate:

• “This will help your child succeed in school.”

• “We’ll show you how to keep your child safe online.”

• “You’ll learn skills that help you support learning at home.”

• “You don’t need prior experience.”

Avoid: jargon like “coding,” “platforms,” or “software” in invitations

Emphasize: safety, support, confidence, and opportunity 

Families engage when invitations come from people they already trust.

Effective Messengers:

• Classroom teachers

• Counselors or family liaisons

• Administrators

• Parent leaders or PTA members

• Micro community leaders

Tip: A personal ask (“I’d love to see you there”) is more effective than a flyer alone.

Design events with family realities in mind.

Best Practices:

• Offer evening or weekend options

• Provide childcare or student activities

• Offer food when possible

• Provide bussing from a few drop off locations

• Provide translation and multilingual materials

• Allow families to attend virtually if needed

Make accessing the resources as simple as possible.

Effective Tools:

• Use free QR codes to link to all resources you share

  • • QR-code-generator.com works well

• Translate all paperwork into family languages

  • • If you don't have a translation service, try Google Translate. Do the initial translation, then feed the translated text back into Google, asking it to be translated into English.  This will help you identify any words that may not be translating correctly.

• Hand out an Agenda for the event that has clearly labeled QR codes on the back for everything that you share.  

Structure events to meet different learning needs.

During the Event Differentiate:

• Parents/Caregivers:
  Digital safety, school tech tools, basic computer skills, career pathways/community connections

• Students:
  Digital citizenship, safe online behavior, introductory CS activities

End the Event Together:

• Have at least one activity where parents and students are actively “doing” together:

  • 1. 1. 1. • Coding robots, Making Binary Jewelry, or any engaging CS focused activity 

• Share what was learned and how families can support students at home

Look both locally and nationally.

Examples:

• Computer refurbishing nonprofits

• Libraries and workforce centers

• Housing authorities

• Local businesses

• National organizations offering free training or certifications

Partners respond best when the request is specific and mission-aligned.

Effective Outreach Framing:

• Who you serve (Title I families)

• What the need is (devices, training, access)

• How their support helps students and families

• Scale expectations (pilot vs. large rollout)

Teachers don’t need to “sell” -- just connect missions.

Sample Language:

“I work with families in a Title I school who are eager to support their children’s learning but lack access to devices and training. We’re building a family-centered program and would love to learn how your organization supports digital access.”

Protect partners from being overwhelmed.

Ask:

• What geographic areas do you serve?

• Do you offer devices, training, or both?

• What capacity limits should we communicate?

• Are there eligibility requirements?

Make partnerships sustainable.

Follow-Up Actions:

• Share participation outcomes

• Highlight family impact stories

• Credit partners publicly when appropriate

• Keep communication clear and realistic