Empowering Families: School Choice Week Event Highlights Importance in Pennsylvania

The Importance of School Choice Week in Pennsylvania

On January 28, students, parents, and community organizations are gathering at the Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an empowering event centered around School Choice Week. This gathering, organized by PA Families for Education Choice and a coalition of advocates, aims to showcase the significant impact of school choice on families and communities across the commonwealth.

Celebrating Educational Freedom

The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Capitol Rotunda. Attendees can expect an inspiring lineup of speeches from students, parents, and legislators. Among the schools represented are The Samuel School, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Achievement House Cyber Charter School, and PA Leadership Charter School (PALCS). The students from PALCS will kick off and conclude the event with performances that include choral singing and dance, highlighting the talents and creativity of young learners.

Sharon Sedlar, the founder of PA Families for Education Choice, emphasized the importance of this gathering: "This event celebrates the voices of students and families who have benefited from school choice. By bringing together students, parents, and legislators, we can highlight the importance of educational freedom and the opportunities it creates for Pennsylvania families. These options are life-changing and life-saving for children."

Financial Support for Educational Options

Pennsylvania continues to invest in educational opportunities for its students and families, with a notable $150 million increase in funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. This funding expansion means that more scholarships are now available for K-12 students, empowering families to choose the best educational paths for their children.

Coalition partners, including PA Catholic Conference, the Council on American Private Education, and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, are united in their goal to expand educational options. They are committed to equipping families with the necessary information and resources for informed decision-making regarding their children's education.

National School Choice Week

This event coincides with National School Choice Week, a nationwide celebration of educational options that runs from January 26 to February 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of this initiative, during which over 27,000 events and activities are taking place across the country, emphasizing awareness and advocacy for school choice.

In Pennsylvania, PA Families for Education Choice is taking the lead in this mission. Their efforts ensure that all parents have the opportunity to pursue the best education for their children, irrespective of economic background or geographic location. They promote equal access to a wealth of quality education options, creating pathways for success for every child.

Event Details

The Pennsylvania Capitol is situated at 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Attendees of this event can look forward to learning more about the benefits of school choice and the various resources available to families.

For additional information, interested parties can visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-harrisburg-capitol-celebration or the Spanish version schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-harrisburg-celebracion-en-el-capitolio.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) promotes awareness of school choice through two main programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and developing unbiased resources for parents to navigate school options. NSCAF maintains a nonpartisan and nonpolitical stance, focusing on empowering families to make informed educational choices.