Advocacy programs give educators the tools they need to support public education at state and national levels

The escalating turmoil in education-related legislation and ongoing funding uncertainty has only increased the value of CSDGKC’s Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program (AEPLP) and Education Policy Leadership Program (EPLP).

“It’s vital in the times that we live,” said Dr. Kenny Southwick, executive director at CSDGKC. “The advocacy programs and skills they develop through these programs are more important than ever.”

AEPLP was developed to support national efforts, and EPLP focuses on state policy and legislation.

Additional Missouri and Kansas school districts are becoming involved in EPLP with 25 Missouri fellows participating, up from 20 last year, and a total of 13 Kansas fellows involved, a jump from nine last year.

EPLP fellows attend six full-day seminars as well as an overnight state policy seminar in either Jefferson City or Topeka. The group members also take part in six virtual meetings and a national policy seminar in Washington, D.C.

To participate in the national program, AEPLP fellows must first complete the EPLP program. In 2024-25, six education leaders from Kansas and Missouri joined the AEPLP group with other participants coming from the following states: Missouri, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

AEPLP fellows focused on a range of impactful topics, such as opposing the closing of the US Department of Education, backing programs that provide funding for student meals and continuing f inancial support for PELL Grants and special-education programming.

Through the national program, education professionals attend f ive three-hour Zoom meetings and travel to Washington, D.C., for a symposium. In addition, collaborative groups among the AEPLP fellows work together to develop a written policy analysis and oral presentation.

Individuals interested in joining the EPLP for 2025-26 began applying in May with applications closing in mid-June. For more information about the application process, contact Tyson Elbert by Email and 202-550-4868 or Dr. Kenny Southwick by Email and 816-803-4301.