June 5, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is proud to announce its new Family and Community Engagement Mentorship and Networking (FEMN) program.

The FEMN program is designed to enhance family and community engagement – including children from birth through age 8 – by providing mentorship, a $5,000 stipend, and resources to local organizations and groups.

Though the primary focus of organizations may vary, this grant is open to all groups that are actively incorporating family engagement into their work with children in this age range.

“Family and community engagement is crucial to the strength of our state’s public education system and plays a key role in student outcomes,” said Dr. Steve Canavero, Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Through the FEMN program, we are pleased to partner with local organizations who are already working to support our youngest learners.”

The program – operated in collaboration with The Children’s Cabinet – is an early childhood family engagement initiative of Nevada’s federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5).

Eligible organizations and groups are encouraged to apply by June 14. Space is limited to 40 applicants.

Organizations that qualify for the FEMN program will receive:

• A one-time $5,000 stipend administered by The Children’s Cabinet

• Access to a statewide network of family and community engagement professionals

• Mentorship and collaborative learning opportunities

• Program materials and resources to support growth and sustainability

Interested organizations are encouraged to:

• Check out the program flyer for key details.

• Watch a recorded information session.

• Review application materials in the program’s resource folder.

For more information, please email Nayesdi Badillo at nayesdi.badillo@doe.nv.gov.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.