WHAT'S NEW: Updates from the National Alliance 

• National School Choice Week kicked off yesterday! 
  • Celebrate on social media with #SchoolChoiceWeek! 
  • More than 5,000 charter schools have activities planned. See below for just a few charter school celebrations to watch.  
• Applications for the 2024-25 Rising Leaders Initiative open on Feb. 7. 
  • Read below to learn more about the program and its impact on high school students across the country. 
• Speaking of deadlines, keep in mind the following key dates in mind for the National Charter Schools Conference in Boston, Jun. 30-Jul. 3: 
  •  Early registration price ends Feb. 19, so lock in the lowest pricing ASAP! 
  • If you're interested in presenting, the call for proposals is now open until Feb. 5. 
• ICYMI: Check out our newly updated Data Dashboard with the latest data on charter schools! 

CELEBRATE: Making the Moment Matter During National School Choice Week 

National School Choice Week 2024 is making history as the largest celebration of educational opportunity in America. From January 21-27, this week-long celebration aims to raise awareness of the different types of schools and education options, including public charter schools, available to parents. More than 27,000 schools, including 5,000 public charter schools, are planning community events across the country to celebrate their staff, students, and families and welcome interested parents. Find out more with:

• A roundup of key happenings during the week
• Key facts about NSCW
• A digital toolkit for partners

STUDENT OPPORTUNITY: 2024-25 Rising Leaders Initiative Application Opens Soon.

The Rising Leaders Initiative at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a dynamic program fostering the development of student advocates from charter high schools across the country. Applications for the next cohort of students will open soon. Key features of this program include:

• Purpose: The initiative empowers students to champion high-quality public charter schools and contribute to positive education changes.
• Focus Areas: Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering education policy, community engagement, and advocacy strategies.
• Mentorship: Students benefit from mentorship by experienced education leaders, enhancing their leadership skills and navigating advocacy challenges.
• Network Building: The program facilitates networking, connecting participants with peers and professionals for ongoing collaboration.

The application for the upcoming cohort opens on Feb. 7. For in-depth insights, explore the 2023 Rising Leaders Initiative Report and read blog posts by 2023-24 Rising Leaders Sahaana, who writes about her experiences at a STEM-focused public charter school, and Darren, who writes about how his Hispanic heritage has shaped his advocacy work.

Join us in this transformative initiative shaping education advocacy's future.

UPDATE: New Data on the Charter School Data Dashboard

We've updated our Data Dashboard, and it's ready for you to dive in.

The Charter School Data Dashboard is a great tool to peek into charter school growth, student demographics, academic performance, and more! It's not your average go-to resource—this is the scoop you need to make well-informed decisions and join the conversation about public charter schools and education.

Give it a look and stay in the know about the latest and greatest in all things charter schools!

ATTEND: Upcoming Events

Join these conferences and activities to connect with fellow charter school advocates!

• Jan 21-27: National School Choice Week
• Jan 31-Feb 2: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition Annual Convening -- Los Angeles, CA 
• Feb 1: Colorado Charter Schools Advocacy Day -- Denver, CO
• Feb 27-28: Colorado Charter Schools Conference -- Denver, CO

See more upcoming events. 

READ: What We're Reading

• More Black and Hispanic Students Attending Charter School | Florida Daily 
• Ensure Equal Funding for WA's Charter Public Schools (Op-Ed) | The Seattle Times 
• Two Teens are Getting Their Bachelor's Degree While Still in High School | FOX 12 Oregon
• New Law Will Provide Funding Options to Charter Schools Seeking Upgrades, New Construction | TAPintoPatterson

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• Making a tax-deductible gift
• Getting involved

Thank you!