#United States #Lansing #School Choice Week #Education Advocacy #Student Voices

Michigan Capitol Celebration for Educational Choices

On January 28, 2025, the Michigan State Capitol will come alive as students, educators, and families gather to celebrate the impactful alternatives available through school choice. This year marks a special occasion as Michigan participates in National School Choice Week, a period dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for countless families across the nation.

Organized by Parent Advocates for Choice in Education (PACE), this event aims to empower over 100 students from diverse educational backgrounds to share their success stories with state legislatures. Through their narratives, these young leaders will illustrate how their unique schooling experiences have shaped their lives and futures.

The Capitol Celebration will run from 10 AM to 12 PM in Heritage Hall, providing a platform where attendees can engage directly with legislators. The event will feature a series of speeches from both students and parents, focusing on personal experiences that underscore the significance of school choice within the community.

In addition to the speeches, the day will be filled with activities. Students will have the unique opportunity to explore the Capitol itself, meet with various state leaders, and engage in a meaningful service project. In an act of community service, attendees will collaborate to craft fleece blankets, which will be donated to local children’s hospitals and shelters, showcasing the spirit of giving back.

Amy Dunlap, the outreach director for PACE, emphasizes the importance of this event. She states, “Now is the time for connection between our state’s legislators and the very students and families who are directly impacted by the educational offerings in Michigan – a time to come together as a community to do good for others while adding to the overall good of school choice.” This gathering is not just a celebration; it is an invitation for dialogue about the educational landscape in Michigan.

The event is particularly poignant as it coincides with the 15th anniversary of National School Choice Week, which runs from January 26 to February 1. This year, there are over 27,000 activities planned across the country, each designed to celebrate and raise awareness about the multitude of educational opportunities available to families.

Participants can look forward to hearing diverse perspectives, reinforcing the idea that educational diversity—encompassing traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet options, private schools, online education, homeschooling, and microschooling—plays a pivotal role in shaping a responsible and well-rounded future for Michigan’s children.

The Michigan State Capitol, located at 323 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933, will host the festivities in the Heritage Hall and the North State Room, providing a picturesque backdrop of civics where education meets policy. For families and students around the state, this is a valuable opportunity to not only voice their opinions but to also learn more about how they can navigate the educational landscape effectively.

For more information about the event and to join the celebration, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-lansing-capitol-celebration. This is more than a mere gathering; it's a movement towards empowering families through education choices. Join us in advocating for a future built on educational diversity and opportunities!