Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy

The Application Window
for the 2026-27 PLA is Now Closed

What is the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy?

The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) is a nonpartisan leadership development program focused on preparing advocates to play an active role in shaping policies that affect the early care, education and healthy development of young children. Participants in the program learn alongside experts with extensive experience in grassroots advocacy and policy advisement at the state and federal levels.

Now entering its eighth year, PLA members and alumni are part of a dynamic, statewide network of advocates who serve as valued resources to their communities and public officials. 

Who Should Apply?

We encourage and welcome applicants representing a wide range of lived experience and professional expertise, including:

  • Early childhood care and education

  • Maternal/child health

  • K-12 and higher education

  • Business and economic development

  • Nonprofit and community services/development

  • Individuals representing traditionally marginalized or underserved communities

What Will I Learn?

  • Understand and apply the principles of authentic, community-driven grassroots advocacy

  • Identify and interpret data that illuminate local early childhood needs and challenges

  • Position yourself as a credible source of information and leadership on early childhood issues

  • Map and leverage valuable resources, expertise and relationships within your community

  • Learn how to navigate the processes involved in legislative and administrative policy as a strategic advocate

What to Expect

  1. Application Process: The PLA application process is competitive and participants are admitted to the program based on the quality of their applications. Candidates are required to provide a letter of recommendation from a professional or community contact when applying.

  2. Program Participation: The PLA is a six-month program, beginning in October 2026 and concluding in March 2027. Participants are required to attend four in-person, daylong workshops in either Kearney or Lincoln and one virtual workshop. Meals, mileage and lodging expenses are reimbursed.

  3. Capstone Project: Participants complete monthly take-home assignments culminating in a final capstone project to be presented during the final workshop.

  4. Alumni Engagement: PLA graduates are expected to stay involved in early childhood advocacy efforts as program alumni.

  • October 13-14, 2026 – Kearney

    Building an Effective Early Childhood Movement

    Understand the roots and cycle of effective advocacy • Learn strategies to build momentum for early childhood issues • Research, interpret and apply local data for advocacy efforts

  • November 18, 2026 – Kearney

    Influencing Early Childhood Policy at the Local Level

    Become familiar with how municipal government works • Examine the anatomy of successful early childhood coalitions • Map and mobilize influencers, resources and relationships to achieve your advocacy goals

  • January 13, 2027 – Virtual Meeting

    Influencing Early Childhood Policy at the Statewide Level

    Explore the unique structure of Nebraska’s Unicameral system • Understand the difference between legislative and administrative policy • Identify opportunities for advocacy in the policymaking process 

  • February 10, 2027 – Lincoln

    A Day at the Capitol

    Learn how to measure the impact of your advocacy efforts • Meet with your state senator to discuss an early childhood bill currently being heard in the Unicameral • Observe floor debate and attend a legislative committee hearing

  • March 10, 2027 – Kearney

    Capstone Project Presentations and Graduation

    Explore strategies and best practices for sustaining policy advocacy momentum for your early childhood goals • Deliver a capstone project presentation that shows your grasp of advocacy strategy 

Follow FFN on Social Media