Partnership with Indian Cultural Association of Howard County Supports Inclusion and Engagement

December 4th, 2020

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with the Indian Cultural Association of Howard County (ICA) to encourage collaboration and facilitate communication among families with Indian background and HCPSS students and staff.

Under the terms of the agreement, the HCPSS International Student and Family Services Office will collaborate with ICA to offer an International Parent Leadership program for Indian families. The program is designed to increase the leadership capacity of international parents as advocates for their children by helping them understand the framework of the U.S. educational system and aspects specific to HCPSS.

ICA will invite HCPSS staff to speak at workshops about the variety of offerings available for students, including the Gifted and Talented and Dual Enrollment programs, as well as preparing for college and other topics. ICA members will work with school staff to support international nights, participate as classroom speakers about Indian culture and provide internship opportunities at their businesses. ICA will also share information about the variety of ICA cultural, leadership and social services programs available for students and families.

HCPSS will inform ICA about opportunities to participate on advisory committees and other volunteer opportunities to help inform school leaders about the needs and offerings of Indian students and families.

The formal partnership agreement was signed by HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano, International Student & Family Services Specialist Min Woo, and Indian Cultural Association of Howard County Co-Founders Sanjay Srivastava and Niti Srivastava.

The mission of the Indian Cultural Association of Howard County is to unite people from the Indian subcontinent, to help preserve its culture and traditions, to pass on the cultural heritage to the next generation and to unite diverse communities.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.