The 2025/2026 SCSU NextGen Parent Academy offers monthly virtual training sessions and valuable resources to help families support their child’s academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Open to parents and guardians of children of all ages
- $100 for the full series and all online resources
- Taught by SCSU Educational Leadership Professor Dr. Olcay Yavuz
- Live, online sessions - 8 to 9 PM EST
- All live sessions will also be recorded, allowing participants the opportunity to watch and learn at their convenience
- All participants receive an SCSU Digital Badge
2025/2026 Live, Virtual Dates
- September 30: Caregivers’ Legal Rights and Responsibilities, and Navigating the U.S. Education System
Learn your rights and responsibilities as a parent and caregiver while gaining practical knowledge of how the U.S. education system works—empowering you to better advocate for your child’s academic success.
- October 28: College Begins at Home: A Roadmap to Lifelong Readiness
Discover how to build a college-going culture at home from an early age. This session offers actionable strategies to foster academic motivation, goal setting, and college awareness.
- November 25: Paying for College: FAFSA Application, Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid Options
It is important that parents understand the cost of college and financial aid opportunities. Get step-by-step guidance on how to apply for FAFSA, explore scholarships, and understand the different types of financial aid available to support your child’s college journey.
- December 23: Protecting Your Child from Bullying and Harassment in School and Online
Learn how to identify signs of bullying, understand online threats, and take proactive steps to protect your child in both school and digital environments, focusing on online safety and navigating social media.
- January 27: Helping Your Child Become Career & Job Ready (Resume, Career Branding, Interview)
Equip yourself with tools to guide your child in building a resume, developing a personal brand, and preparing for interviews—key skills for future career success.
- February 24: Understanding Developmental Stages of Children: Supporting Your Children’s Executive Functioning, 21st Century and Soft Skills
Explore how children grow cognitively and emotionally, and learn how to support the development of executive functioning, critical thinking, communication, and other essential life skills.
- March 31: Raising Socially, Mentally, and Emotionally Strong Children
Gain insights and strategies to nurture resilience, emotional intelligence, and social competence to help your child thrive in all aspects of life.
- April 28: Utilizing Whole-Child Parent Resource Hub
Discover how to access and use a range of community, educational, and wellness resources designed to support every aspect of your child’s development.
- May 26: Guiding Parents in Effective Summer Planning for Student Success
Learn how to create a balanced and enriching summer plan that supports academic growth, personal development, and family engagement.
Dr. Olcay Yavuz is a Professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department. His research focuses on improving the college and career readiness of underprivileged students, comprehensive school counseling framework, program evaluation, and leadership development. Prior to coming to SCSU, He spent twelve years of his professional career as an educational leader, supervisor, professional counselor, and math teacher in K-12 public schools.
Learn more about Dr. Yavuz.