Joining CEI
CEI operates on a revolving cohort model within which Local Education Agencies commit to a two-year journey to lead and learn within our Peer Leading & Learning Network (PLLN) structure.
Joining A CEI Cohort
The Request for Applications (RFA) to join Cohort VII of the Community Engagement Initiative closed on April 17, 2026. Use the form below to sign up for notification when applications open for future opportunities.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Additional Learning Opportunities
The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) offers a range of learning opportunities for 2026-27, from communities of practice to peer-led networks, that are all designed to support your continued growth and connection. Whether your team is wrapping up a CEI cohort experience or exploring CEI for the first time, you can use this guide to find the right fit for your team.
This year-long learning experience supports multidisciplinary LEA teams in applying the Street Data framework to a self-identified, equity-centered challenge within their organization. Teams engage in transformational leadership development through equity-centered inquiry, structured coaching, interactive workshops, and symposium learning to build the collective capacity to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Format: In-person and virtual
Travel: Required – four (4) in-person sessions throughout the year, plus virtual sessions
Team Composition: Full LEA team (maximum 8 members: district and site leadership/staff, site leadership/staff, family/caregiver, student, community partner)
This statewide virtual learning series is designed for parents and caregivers of the CEI PLLN who want to deepen their understanding of and engagement with California’s education system. Through monthly sessions offered October through April, participants build knowledge, connect with families across the state, and develop practical tools to support their children and strengthen their communities.
Format: Virtual
Travel: None
Team Composition: Open to parents and caregivers of the CEI PLLN
Application Information Coming Soon
This community of practice brings together colleagues from county offices of education for collaborative conversations focused on key CEI resources and tools. Participants share experiences, surface lessons learned, and explore approaches to shared challenges, all while strengthening cross-county relationships and aligning support for LEAs statewide.
Format: Virtual
Travel: None
Team Composition: Open to COE staff serving as CEI members. No full team required.
Application Information Coming Soon
This third-year community of practice is designed for Cohort V teams ready to move from improvement to full implementation, and from self-sustained success to scaling and spreading their work across their systems. Teams deepen their impact by embedding what they’ve built into broader practice and policy.
Format: Virtual, quarterly (3-6 PM)
Travel: None
Team Composition: Same structure as Year 1-2 of CEI PLLNs, with the following changes: 1) must include a district-level team member, ideally at the Cabinet level, or someone who can regularly communicate with Cabinet, and 2) student team members may continue, but are optional for Cohort V elementary school district LEAs
The PLLX is composed of experienced team members from previous CEI cohorts who share their success stories, strategies for overcoming barriers, and guidance on genuinely engaging communities and improving student outcomes. PLLX facilitators are essential to the CEI structure, implementing the initiative’s goals statewide and leading peer network meetings throughout the year.
Format: In-person and virtual
Travel: Required – Four (4) in-person sessions throughout the year, plus virtual sessions
Team Composition: 3-5 LEA team members
Eligibility: Current CEI LEAs (invitation only, open for applications)