HARRISBURG, PA — Students, parents, and advocates will converge on the state Capitol next week to celebrate School Choice Week and emphasize the growing impact of educational options on communities across Pennsylvania. Organized by PA Families for Education Choice and its coalition partners, the event will take place on Tuesday, January 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.
Participants, ranging from students and parents to legislators, will share powerful stories about how school choice has transformed their lives. Among the schools represented are The Samuel School, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Achievement House Cyber Charter School, and PA Leadership Charter School (PALCS). A musical and dance performance by PALCS students will bookend the program, adding a celebratory note to the gathering.
“This event celebrates the voices of students and families who have benefited from school choice,” said Sharon Sedlar, founder of PA Families for Education Choice. “By bringing together students, parents, and legislators, we can highlight the importance of educational freedom and the opportunities it creates for Pennsylvania families.”
Pennsylvania has demonstrated its support for school choice initiatives through a $150 million increase in funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These additional resources have expanded the availability of scholarships for K-12 students, enabling many families to select the schools that best meet their children’s needs.
Coalition partners supporting the event include the PA Catholic Conference, Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, Council on American Private Education, American Federation for Children, and the Commonwealth Foundation. Together, these groups advocate for empowering families with diverse and high-quality educational options, regardless of income or geographic location.
The Harrisburg event aligns with National School Choice Week, which runs from January 26 to February 1 and marks its 15th anniversary this year. Across the nation, more than 27,000 events will take place to celebrate educational choice and build awareness about its benefits in providing families with better alternatives.
The Pennsylvania gathering spotlights a united effort to ensure that all children have access to education that suits their individual needs. By showcasing the success stories of those who have found meaningful opportunities through school choice, organizers aim to inspire continued support and commitment to educational freedom throughout the commonwealth.
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