EPC Day on the Hill
On February 20, our statewide Education Partnerships Coalition (EPC) brought more than 75 youth and parent/caregiver advocates, including RiseUp Partnership youth and adults, to the Minnesota State Capitol to meet with selected officials. These advocates met with 22 legislators, including Representative Pam Altendorf.
Parents and youth from RiseUp Partnership presented their policy priorities for the 2025 legislative session to help families and young people thrive through educational and workforce success. These priorities include affordable childcare, stable housing, fair wages, financial support, and reliable transportation. The priorities were developed through collaboration and training, which involved staff from various EPC organizations working together to build the foundation for this initiative.
One of the youth advocates, Brody Marquardt, attended the day and stated with excitement, “During EPC Day on the Hill, we explored the Minnesota Capitol building. The building is very massive and has much ground to cover, despite the large area, I enjoyed every single square inch of this place! The scenery was impeccable, and exploring this building was like discovering the world's eighth wonder. I hope to revisit the State Capitol next year!”
EPC Cohorts
The EPC program is designed to empower parents, caregivers, and students to advocate for systemic change, with a focus on education as a central pillar for opportunity and upward economic mobility. All advocates participated in a months-long, cohort-based training program to learn about state government and to develop their cohort’s policy priorities.
Alejandra Sievers, RiseUp Partnership's Parent Advocate Cohort Facilitator (PAC), said, “This event was an opportunity to empower our parents, engage officials, and work together for a system that puts families first.”
Since the program's inception in 2023, EPC organizations have graduated more than 100 advocates across a dozen cohorts, with an impressive average attendance rate of 91% over the cohort cycles. Each cohort, averaging 12 participants, has worked diligently to craft and refine policy solutions that address the educational needs of Minnesota families. Parents loved the program and are eager to continue their advocacy, knowing their voices can shape policy at the legislative level. This program proves the power of community-driven change.
RiseUp Partnership is currently planning its next Parent Advocate Cohort. If you’re interested in joining the PAC, reach out to Alejandra Sievers at alejandra@riseuppartnership.org.