Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is working to support parents and families by providing them with the tools they need to fully support the education of their children. Priority four of the district’s strategic plan calls for the development of a district-wide family engagement outreach program. CCS launched Cumberland Family Academy in the fall of 2020 to bring schools, families, caregivers and community organizations together as equal partners. The Communications and Community Engagement Department seeks to expand district and school-level family engagement through the CCS Family Ambassador Program. This initiative will create volunteer positions for one parent or family member at each CCS school to serve as a Family Ambassador.

Family Ambassadors work closely with the school leadership to plan and promote family engagement activities and outreach opportunities that will benefit families throughout the district. They also serve as liaisons between families and school officials to help other parents and caregivers become more engaged in their children’s educational success and learn about important district news and information. In an effort to strengthen the partnership between school staff and families, the ambassadors meet monthly with Cumberland County Schools officials to learn more about what is happening in CCS and receive resources to support their family engagement outreach efforts.

This is a volunteer position. CCS employees are not eligible to apply. Family Ambassadors can receive up to $150.00 monthly for completing certain family engagement tasks.  Interested parents can learn more and access the interest form here. This interest form has the names of the schools with family ambassador vacancies. All candidates should complete the CCS volunteer registration form if they are not already a registered volunteer.

For more information, contact the Cumberland Family Academy at 910-475-1097 or familyacademy@ccs.k12.nc.us.

Cumberland County Schools (CCS) recently held the Family Ambassador Mid-Year Celebration, which was an inspiring event. The occasion, part of the district's Cumberland Family Academy (CFA) initiative, featured guest speaker Mr. Byron V. Garrett, Chairman of the National Family Engagement Alliance (NFEA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education through meaningful family engagement.

During his presentation, Mr. Garrett shared invaluable insights into the crucial role of family engagement in students' success. Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. acknowledged the unwavering commitment of this group to The Cumberland Commitment: Strategic Plan, a key component of the CFA program. Together, we celebrate their collective dedication to positively impact our students' academic journey. 

Reflecting on a remarkable milestone: The district's Communications and Community Engagement Department recently hosted the inaugural Family Ambassador Symposium! Esteemed parent volunteers and dedicated school administrators joined forces to explore the pivotal role of the Family Ambassador in enhancing family engagement throughout the school district. Watch this highlight video to learn more about the Family Ambassador Program.