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NACS Community Ambassadors

NACS Community Ambassadors

NACS Community Ambassadors, is a nine-month program designed to build strong relationships, open communication, and trust between Northwest Allen County Schools and our community. This initiative directly supports our Strategic Plan, advancing our core focus areas of Community & Belonging and Trust & Transparency.

Beginning in September and running through May, the program invites a diverse group of local parents, business owners, retirees, volunteers, and civic leaders behind the scenes to see how our district truly operates. Rather than relying on routine presentations, each monthly session focuses on real, hands-on experiences, including classroom visits, facility tours, open dialog with cabinet leadership, and direct interactions with our students and staff.

Throughout the year, participants will explore every facet of NACS public education, including teaching and learning, student support services, athletics and fine arts, operations, school finance, and long-range district planning. Each session ends with guided reflection, allowing participants to ask thoughtful questions and gain meaningful insight into how student-centered decisions are made.

  • To build enduring trust and transparent relationships between Northwest Allen County Schools and our community through firsthand experiences, open dialogue, and shared understanding.

  • SEE the Mission

    Total Visibility Matters: We believe trust begins with complete transparency. We open our doors so the NACS Community Ambassadors can see the full scope of our district, from everyday classroom experiences to the behind-the-scenes work of our staff.

    SHARE the Dialogue

    Authentic Conversation Drives Trust: Strong schools depend on strong community connections. We engage in straightforward discussions about daily decisions, future goals, and state education policies. It allows our district leadership to share essential context and enables our Ambassadors to provide honest community feedback.

    STRENGTHEN Understanding

    Knowledge Empowers Advocacy: We are dedicated to providing accurate, reliable insight into public education. By building deep understanding and transparency, we empower community members to bridge the gap between our schools and the broader public as confident advocates for our students.

  • The program is open to anyone who cares about the future of NACS and our local community. We seek a diverse cohort that represents all aspects of our area:

     

    • Parents, Guardians and Grandparents
    • Business Leaders & Local Employers
    • Retirees and Longtime Residents
    • Faith Leaders & Community Volunteers
    • Local Officials and Civic Partners

     

    No prior expertise in education is required – just a willingness to learn, engage in thoughtful discussion, and attend the monthly sessions.

  • We welcome anyone who is passionate about our local community and eager to learn more about Northwest Allen County Schools to apply for the inaugural cohort.

     

    Application Process

     

    1. Submit the Online Form: Complete our brief application to let us know a little about yourself and why you're interested in joining the NACS Community Ambassadors program.
    2. Review & Cohort Selection: To ensure a well-rounded group representing diverse community perspectives (parents, local business leaders, retirees, civic partners, and residents), applications will be reviewed by district leadership following the deadline and 15 – 20 applicants will be selected.
    3. Notification: Selected participants will be notified prior to the inaugural September kickoff session.

     

    Key Dates to Remember

     

    • Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026
  • Beginning this September and running through May, the program invites a diverse group of local parents, business owners, retirees, volunteers, and civic leaders behind the scenes to see how our district truly operates.

    Throughout the year, participants will explore every facet of NACS public education, including teaching and learning, student support services, athletics and fine arts, operations, school finance, and long-range district planning. Each session ends with guided reflection, allowing participants to ask thoughtful questions and gain meaningful insight into how student-centered decisions are made.

     

    Attendance Commitment

    To get the full value of this nine-month immersion experience, active participation and attendance at all sessions are essential. Below are the meeting dates for the 2026–2027 cohort.

    • September 17, 2026
    • October 22, 2026
    • November 19, 2026
    • December 17, 2026
    • January 21, 2027
    • February 18, 2027
    • March 18, 2027
    • April 15, 2027
    • May 13, 2027

     

  • All sessions will be held at the NACS Administration Center at 12913 Coldwater Road from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

     

    Session Descriptions:

    • September 17, 2026 — Welcome to NACS

      Focus: District history, traditions, strategic planning, and official welcome from the Superintendent and School Board.

    • October 22, 2026 — Teaching & Learning

      Focus: Classroom visits, early learning initiatives, curriculum development, and an interactive student panel.

    • November 19, 2026 — Supporting Every Student

      Focus: Special education services, mental health support, school counseling, and high-ability programming.

    • December 17, 2026 — Discovering Passions

      Focus: Fine arts, athletic programs, career pathways, and extracurricular opportunities led by program directors, coaches, and students.

    • January 21, 2027 — Making It Possible

      Focus: Behind-the-scenes tours of school safety, transportation, technology infrastructure, food services, and facilities operations.

    • February 18, 2027 — Stewardship

      Focus: School finance, human resources, state legislative impacts, and district budgeting processes.

    • March 18, 2027 — Looking Ahead

      Focus: Community growth planning, construction updates, innovation, and the NACS Education Foundation.

    • April 15, 2027 — Celebration of Learning

      Focus: Reflection on key takeaways, cohort discussions, and preparation for community engagement.

    • May 13, 2027 — Graduation & Recognition

      Focus: Final reflections, certificate presentations, and official recognition by the Board of Trustees.

Ready to Apply?

Complete our online application today.

The deadline for the 2026/27 cohort is August 14, 2026.

Apply

 

Questions? Contact Kristen.Valdez@nacs.k12.in.us