Families Push for School Choice in Pennsylvania

Students, Families Bring Education Advocacy to Harrisburg

In a time when education policy continues to shape the future of communities across the country, students and families from Jewish day schools across Pennsylvania recently made their voices heard in the state capital. Gathering in Harrisburg for Teach PA’s Student Mission Day, they met with lawmakers to share their experiences and advocate for policies that support educational opportunity and school choice.

A Day of Advocacy at the Capitol

Teach PA’s Student Mission Day is designed to connect students, families, and policymakers in meaningful conversations about education. The organization, a division of Teach Coalition, represents Jewish day schools across Pennsylvania and has played a role in nonpublic school funding developments for more than a decade.

State Rep. Kristen Marcell was among those who met with attendees and reflected on the importance of hearing directly from those impacted by education policy.

“I recently joined students and families in Harrisburg for Teach PA’s Student Mission Day and appreciated the chance to hear directly from them,” Marcell said.

These conversations, she noted, are essential in helping lawmakers better understand the real-world challenges families face and the opportunities they seek for their children.

A Personal Connection to Education Policy

For Marcell, the issue goes beyond policy—it is personal. As a mother, she emphasized the importance of ensuring children have access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed.

“As a mom, these conversations are personal. I think about the kind of world we are preparing our kids for and whether they have the opportunity to succeed. That is what drives my work,” she said.

That perspective has shaped her support for programs aimed at expanding educational access, particularly for families seeking alternatives outside of traditional public school systems.

Supporting School Choice and Opportunity

Among the initiatives highlighted during the event were Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships to students, helping families afford tuition at nonpublic schools.

“I have supported programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit because I have seen how much they matter to families,” Marcell said.

According to Teach PA, more than half of Jewish day school students in Pennsylvania—about 55 percent—receive scholarships through the state’s tax credit program, underscoring the impact of these initiatives.

Addressing Safety and Antisemitism

Beyond funding and access, safety and cultural awareness were also key themes discussed during the day. Marcell pointed to efforts to combat rising antisemitism, strengthen Holocaust education, and improve school security.

“I have also worked to address rising antisemitism, strengthen Holocaust education and support school safety efforts, including expanding security grants to all schools,” she said.

These efforts reflect broader concerns among families about ensuring that schools remain safe, inclusive environments where students can learn and thrive.

Empowering Communities Through Engagement

Teach PA continues to play a central role in mobilizing families and communities to engage in the policymaking process. Through grassroots advocacy, nonpartisan voter outreach, and direct engagement with lawmakers, the organization aims to strengthen educational opportunities across the state.

Marcell expressed appreciation for those who took the time to participate in the event and share their perspectives.

“Thank you to the students and families who took the time to be there and share their perspective,” she said.

As conversations around education continue at both the state and national levels, events like Student Mission Day highlight the power of civic engagement—and the impact that students and families can have when they speak up for their futures.