• Arizona State University celebrated the "graduation" of the 5,000th parent from the American Dream Academy during a ceremony at Dec. 16, at Larry C. Kennedy Elementary School.

"I feel very confident that the information learned through these classes will help me advocate for my children's social, emotional, academic and physical well-being, while building a mutually beneficial relationship with school and community."

Elijah Washington, parent graduate

"The heart of the program is education because we believe that is the key to the American dream," says Alejandro Perilla, director of the Center for Community Development and Civil Rights. "In order to really transform education, we have to give families the skills and tools that help to support and further develop what their children are learning in school." 

Longtime nonprofit consultants Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant used rigorous research to identify and study the most successful nonprofits. They surveyed thousands of nonprofit leaders, conducted in-depth expert interviews, and analyzed reams of data just to select the 12 organizations featured in their book. They then studied these groups for several years to uncover their secrets to success. The practices they discovered provide a new roadmap for anyone seeking to change the world.  One of the 12 innovative nonprofits identified is National Council of La Raza, the largest Hispanic advocacy organization in the US. 

• Work with government and advocate for policy change;
• Harness market forces and see business as a powerful partner;
• Convert individual supporters into evangelists for the cause;
• Build and nurture nonprofit networks, treating other groups as allies;
• Adapt to the changing environment; and
• Share leadership, empowering others to be forces for good.