Improving the Odds: Increasing Opportunities in Austin: Report to the Mayor and Council

[Excerpts] The Alliance Schools were initiated in 1992 by the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (SWIAF). Following the IAF’s iron rule, “Never do for people what they can do for themselves,” the Alliance Schools’ basic approach is to enable parents to take responsibility for schools in order to improve student achievement. SWIAF organizers train parents for the job through intensive education: leadership development; reading, discussion and observation; the development of plans, tactics and strategies; and parent-led accountability sessions with school administrators, teachers, and elected officials. What results is active parental involvement in children’s schools as well as in their learning....Capital IDEA is a nonprofit sectoral employment program initiated by Austin Interfaith, an affiliate of the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation, which also founded the Alliance Schools discussed in the education section. The program recruits, trains, and places low-income community residents in jobs that pay at least $10 an hour and offer full benefits and opportunities for advancement.