Rent-A-Center’s Post

Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for a better life. Unfortunately, for many students from poor backgrounds and single-parent families, the dream of higher education remains out of reach due to financial constraints. Hopeful Handbags, a global nonprofit organization, is on a mission to change this narrative. By providing support to these deserving students, Hopeful Handbags is making a significant impact on their lives and future prospects. https://lnkd.in/eyPjFXJ3

Like the concept of compounding interest 📈, solving for access to education can have a massive impact. I've seen directly how these two orgs can make a huge difference in a student's life: 🏘 Southern Scholarship Foundation - provides rent-free housing to high-performing students who lack financial resources 📚 Beyond Kids Reading - helps families and children who struggle with reading get the resources they need Please consider joining me in contributing to one (or both!) of them on #GivingTuesday.   (links in comments) #accesstoeducation

It's the season for college-bound students to apply for funding through the Free Application for Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA. Tulsa Higher Education Consortium and ImpactTulsa brought together counselors from Tulsa-area high schools, universities, and nonprofits representing more than 28,000 FAFSA-eligible students. Discussions focused on updates to FAFSA and ways to support students and families. Research shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to immediately enroll to continue their education after graduation. Learn more about how students can pursue higher education by taking advantage of FAFSA-fueled opportunities by visiting this link.https://ow.ly/8kFI50QuThO. Included in this picture: Norma Navarro-Castellanos, Tulsa Community College; Avery Bennett, ImpactTulsa; and Aaron Wilson, Tulsa Higher Education Consortium. #FAFSA #GoForEquity #EducateTulsa #FundingForCollege

It has long been evident, at least to those who are thoughtful, that better education, especially in K-12, is the main path out of poverty for those who currently suffer. Allowing parents to use government funds, otherwise used for government run schools, is now being made available to parents for non-governmental schools. It is called "school choice." This is done through vouchers or educational savings accounts. Spread the word, as parental awareness of these programs is essential to their success. "Many states have recently created or expanded school-choice programs, but are parents taking up the opportunity? It’s early days, but data from several states should encourage lawmakers that robust offerings are in demand." "Indiana this year reported an increase of some 20% in its voucher program. More than 53,000 students participated in 2022-23, compared with 44,376 the previous school year. "Florida also made its K-12 scholarships universal this year by removing income limits. Step Up for Students, a nonprofit administering organization, recently said it had awarded 268,221 income-based scholarships, up from 183,925 at the same time a year ago. The group said it also had granted 74,711 special-needs scholarships, an increase of some 15,000." "Arizona beat Florida by a year in making its education savings accounts, or ESAs, universal. The state says it approved 47,667 new student applications in 2023, compared with 5,103 before the expansion. Nearly 700 private schools receive ESA funds. West Virginia’s ESA program, open to any student already in public school, is entering its second year. The program has received 6,323 applications for the coming school term, up from roughly 3,600 last year, per the state Treasurer. Iowa’s new ESA program received 29,025 applications during a month-long window, according to Gov. Kim Reynolds’s office. In Arkansas nearly 5,000 students and more than 80 schools have applied or begun applying to another new ESA system. "None of this should prompt states to rest on their laurels. A recent Manhattan Institute report points out that getting ESAs through the political thicket is only the first step. Many parents are unaware of the offerings in their states, and a law does little good if it isn’t implemented well."

A look back at our top articles of 2023: Delve into the debate on full public funding for private schools with a unique twist. Discover the nuances and catch that make this proposal noteworthy. https://hubs.la/Q02f4BW50 #Education #PrivateSchoolFunding #EducationInsights #EducationPolicy

“Shapiro’s plan should require Pennsylvania colleges and universities to find, enroll, and graduate adults receiving public benefits. This will create more efficient use of public funds, as people with more training or education can earn more money and need fewer public benefits.” My latest in the The Philadelphia Inquirer considers ways to strengthen Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal for #highereducation reform in #Pennsylvania in order to promote #socialmobility. Our state is dangerously inequitable. Without essential safeguards like this one, the proposed outcomes-based funding model has significant potential to make things worse, not better. #education #funding #collegesanduniversities #RealCollege #finance #affordability #poverty #snap

The holiday season is a perfect time for generosity, and what could be more generous than contributing to a child's education? The Tomorrow's Scholar® 529 plan allows anyone to invest in a child's future, not just the person who opened the account. Learn more about all the benefits the Tomorrow's Scholar® 529 plan has to offer: https://lnkd.in/dXJHwW-X #education #savingsplan #futureinvesting #collegsavings #529plan

Tired of the political battles and endless debates surrounding education? Discover a common-sense approach that puts students and families first. Learn how conservatives are championing a new vision for education, rooted in timeless values and focused on empowering individuals, fostering strong communities, and cultivating a love for learning. This is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our children's education.

In #TheInjusticeOfPlace, Luke Shaefer, Timothy Nelson and I discuss the phenomenon of “segregation academies.” These private schools were created in the 60s & 70s as a strategy to resist public school integration, creating alternative all-white private schools. Many still exist today...

“State leaders have a responsibility to guarantee all schools have adequate funding to provide all #students with a high-quality education and also to guide school leaders and districts to understand how best to use the money available effectively.” This recent piece from Newsweek offers 3 lessons from California to help state leaders do just that: https://lnkd.in/eg4AkCZy #EdChat #K12 #SchoolLeaders #Equity