In D.C., Students Get Supplies, School Info, And Chance to Share their Unique Stories

Families learned about area schools and received free school supplies.

Yesterday marked the second annual D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program School Placement and Welcome Fair, an event where the parents of Opportunity Scholarship students are briefed on the process of school enrollment and have a chance to speak with representatives from over 40 area private schools before making the decision as to where to enroll their child.

The event, hosted by the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and the Alliance for School Choice, is an integral resource in giving the District’s low-income parents all the necessary information to help them make the best educational choice for their child.

But for those of us who volunteered at the event, it was even more than that—it was a chance to see firsthand why our work is so important. Families from all across the city proved just how dedicated they are to maximizing their children’s chances for success, and many kids left the event with a new school for the fall. There were even current students from those schools on hand explaining in their own words just how much their lives have changed as a result of their schools.

The event was more than just informational, though. Thanks to the hard work and generous donations of our friends at the Trust and numerous local schools and organizations, we gave out thousands of free school supplies to countless grateful boys and girls.

From notebooks to bags to pencils to folders and just about everything else on the school supplies list, there’s an indescribable feeling of joy to see so many kids so happy to go back to school. They are truly excited to learn, and while many of them didn’t always feel that way, they know now that they’re getting an amazing opportunity, and they’re ready to seize it.

Here are a couple more photos from the event (to view even more photos, visit our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SchoolChoiceNow):

That’s not all! We want to share the stories from families beyond the images captured in photographs. With that in mind, we’ve launched an essay contest for all OSP students! You can read all the rules and guidelines, find out about the 27 different prizes up for grabs, and submit your entry all at www.DCOSPContest.com. We’re accepting written entries as well as posters or other art that uniquely answers the question: “Why I Love My School & The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.”

We encourage all OSP students to enter, we wish the best to all the students beginning a new school year in the coming weeks, and we thank you for everything you’ve done to help make the educational futures of our country’s kids a little bit brighter.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MAG