Ettrick Elementary is the site of an innovative pilot program designed to boost family engagement. 2-Gen was created by VCU’s Center for Teacher Leadership and is backed by a $30,000 grant from Google in partnership with the Chesterfield Education Foundation. The initiative provides adult education to kindergarten parents to improve economic stability, civic involvement and self-sufficiency.
2-Gen support includes a personalized education plan and monthly seminars focused on durable skills, such as financial literacy, career development and well-being. Kindergarten students will engage in quarterly workshops alongside their parent, teacher and a career coach. This two-generation approach fosters a culture of learning and collaboration within families in order to improve long-term outcomes for both generations.
School and community partners gathered Oct. 6 to kick off the 2-Gen pilot program. The event included remarks by Dr. John Murray, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools; Dr. Kim McKnight, executive director of VCU’s Center for Teacher Leadership; and Laura Hite, executive director of the Chesterfield Education Foundation.
The kickoff event celebrated the two mothers of Ettrick Elementary kindergartners who were selected for the pilot program and the two career coaches who will guide them through the 2-Gen program.