Dads matter — at school and beyond
Dads at School is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to strengthening school communities by encouraging the active presence of fathers and father figures.
Research shows that when dads are involved in school life, students fare better in academics, behavior and socially.
More dads at school also closes gender gaps in- and outside schools.
How Dads at School works:
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Attend 5 meetings throughout the year
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Host 2 dad initiatives. These can include promoting current programs to male caregivers.
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Receive a $1,000 check to your PTA, PTO or foundation — no strings attached
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Repeat next year!
FAQs
What is Dads at School?
Dads at School is helps K12s increase the involvement of fathers and male caregivers in meaningful, visible ways.
Who is the program for?
The program is open to K12 schools and parent groups that want to strengthen family engagement and support male caregivers.
What is required to participate?
Schools commit to attending virtual sessions, hosting at least two dad-focused efforts, completing surveys, and sharing simple documentation of participation during the school year.
What do schools receive?
Each participating school receives training, year-round support, practical resources, and a $1,000 grant upon successful program completion.
Why does this matter?
When dads and male caregivers are engaged in schools, students, families, and entire school communities benefit. Research shows that children with involved fathers perform better academically and experience stronger social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. Educators report improved school culture, and both mothers and fathers benefit from greater father involvement.
How much does it cost the school?
$0. We grant your school for successful completion.
Is Dads at School faith-based?
No.
Will you try to sell us T-shirts? Foam fingers? Calendars?
No.
Where does the grant money come from?
Dads at School is supported by donations. Initial funding comes from the American Institute for Boys and Men, a nonpartisan Washington, D.C. based think tank.
What if we don't know how to organize a dad event, or get stuck or have questions?
Dads at School measures its success by measuring your school's success. That is why our program meets with schools throughout the year and is available for 1:1 support whenever you need it.
Does our school need to host specific Dads at School events?
No. Each school has different goals, needs and cultures. It is up to you to decide where to focus your father-engagement efforts. If your school is focused on reading improvement, you can include male caregivers in your existing classroom or lunchtime reading program. Or, maybe someone wants to host a dads-and-kids tailgate party at the next school football game.
Aligning your dad engagement with school and parent goals and passions will make it a success.
Do we have to use the $1,000 for dad programs?
No. Dads at School trusts that the PTA, PTO or foundation will use the grant funds in a way that serves the school community.
Why does the grant have to go to a PTA, PTO or foundation? Why not to the school directly?
There are two reasons:
1. As a practical matter the funds must be granted to a 501c3 organization.
2. We believe that a grant this size will be most meaningful to a parent- or community-led organization, vs going to a general school budget.
How is Dads at School different than other programs?
Dads at School is unique in five ways from leading dad-school programs:
1. DAS is free.
2. DAS grants schools $1,000 for participation.
3. DAS supports each school throughout the school year — vs selling you a program and letting you figure it out.
4. DAS is not faith-based. Though, you are free to craft a faith-based program if you like!
5. Other programs do not have programs to show they are successful. Our academic partners are collecting data from the onset.