Our children need empowered advocates. PLI takes educators with a desire to serve the community and supercharges them with knowledge from dynamic professors, authentic social justice leadership examples, and a lifelong support system from both the University and like-minded colleagues. The program has deepened my ability to recognize and act in the face of inequities as both an educator and mother. I am forever grateful to PLI for transforming me into a wiser and more effective champion for all children.”

My experience with PLI was deeply insightful and an opportunity to examine and understand by own privileges, biases and stereotypes. The first summer course with Dr. Cooper was the perfect choice to set the trajectory of the program. PLI broadened my outlook and allowed me to understand how systemic racism and organizational structures that are created to uplift white people are embedded in our schools, communities, and country, and how these negatively impact the lives of people of color and those form lower socioeconomic communities on a daily basis. PLI gave me the tools to feel empowered to engage in difficult conversations that address these issues and work towards become an agent of change.”