Clark State College Student Affairs and Springfield Promise Neighborhood have partnered together to help local families connect with college opportunities.

The partnership consists of three family workshops, one each in October, November and December.

“Each night, we will have a family meal provided by Springfield Promise, family activities, family enrichment, and then information from Clark State leaders,” said Dr. S. Dawayne Kirkman, vice president of student affairs at Clark State. “In October, we will discuss Trauma Informed Practices and Support Services; in November, we will discuss Clark State 101 and Financial Aid 101; and in December, we will have a graduation.”

Aaron Clark, community and family engagement coordinator for Springfield Promise, said any adult, guardian or caregiver with a child that attends a Springfield City School is eligible to participate and there is no cost to attend.

“Springfield Promise Neighborhood commits to working alongside schools to build stronger and healthier families in our schools and community,” said Clark. “Together we are developing bonds to support and uplift our families by providing opportunities to learn, grow, and play together. Our ‘Family Connect’ program is a family engagement program that encourages parents and caregivers to become full partners in their child’s education by providing opportunities to gain additional skills, knowledge, and resources that empower greater levels of family development and engagement.”

Clark said research indicates that when schools work together with families to support learning, students tend to perform well in school and throughout life. Parents, families, and communities build partnerships that are critical to increasing achievement for all students.

The series of workshops will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. October 14, November 4 and December 2 in the gymnasium on Clark State’s main campus, 570 East Leffel Lane, Springfield.