HARRISBURG, PA — In a progressive stride towards health equity, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced a significant initiative to provide free period products to students across all school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools. This funding initiative aims to eliminate barriers to education caused by insufficient access to menstrual hygiene products.
First Lady Lori Shapiro emphasized the administration’s commitment to enabling all Pennsylvanians to thrive, stating, “Josh and I believe all Pennsylvanians deserve the opportunity to succeed and chart their own course. By providing free period products in schools, we are reducing stress for young people and making sure they can learn without more unnecessary distractions.”
The initiative addresses a critical public health and educational concern highlighted by Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, who remarked, “We know that students are missing valuable learning opportunities when they have their periods because they don’t have access to menstrual products.” This initiative aims to bridge that gap and ensure that no student is forced to miss school due to lack of access to necessary hygiene products.
Under this program, funding is allocated based on student enrollment numbers, with schools receiving a rate of $1.75 per student. This funding covers period product purchases for the school year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Importantly, schools are not required to apply for these funds, streamlining the process to ensure timely distribution. While participation is optional, schools may opt out, allowing more funds to be available for a second round of distribution to other schools.
Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin stated the administration’s dedication to health equity, noting, “Students deserve to learn in environments where they are safe, healthy, and cared for—and providing schools with menstrual products at no charge will ensure that no learner has to miss school because they can’t access the care they need.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Shapiro Administration to support health equity, particularly in education. Schools are encouraged to implement strategies that prioritize privacy and accessibility, ensuring students can discreetly obtain products without stigma or embarrassment. Additional guidance is provided in the Menstrual Equity for Pennsylvania Students – Guidance for School Entities document.
Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, expressed support for the program, highlighting the advocacy efforts championed by First Lady Lori Shapiro. “No one should have to miss class because they cannot access menstrual products. The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is thrilled to see this funding going to schools to ensure students can focus on learning,” Hathaway said.
This initiative represents a pivotal step in addressing menstrual equity throughout Pennsylvania, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments. By providing necessary resources directly to schools, Pennsylvania is ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage fully in their education without the added concern of inadequate access to essential hygiene products.
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