WHAT'S NEW: Updates from the National Alliance 

• We're giving a warm welcome to 50 school leaders of color coming to Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for charter schools! 
  • The leaders will be advocating on behalf of schools in their communities and for the federal Charter Schools Program. 
• Rising Leaders Initiative applications are closing soon! Apply or recommend a student today! 
• The deadline for NCSC24 early registration has passed and we are filling up quickly. Register today to lock in advance pricing!  
• ICYMI: The National Alliance has released a ton of new materials recently.  
  • Updated Data Dashboard
  • Best Practices to Accelerate Student Learning Series 
  • Supporting a Generation of Student Advocates: The Rising Leaders Initiative 

ON THE GROUND UPDATE: Wyoming Charter School Students Spend a Day at State Capitol

On February 15, an inspiring group of students from Laramie Montessori Charter School and Snowy Range Academy in Wyoming joined the National Alliance's Lisa Grover and met with Governor Mark Gordon.

They were there on a mission — to show love for charter schools in Wyoming! Including students in important conversations that directly impact their futures is smart and shows students how speaking up can make a real difference.

APPLY AND SHARE: Why You Should Apply to the Rising Leaders Initiative 

We are currently seeking our 2024-25 cohort of Rising Leaders. The Rising Leaders Initiative offers valuable benefits and opportunities for charter high school students interested in education advocacy.

Here are just a few benefits: 

• Personalized coaching, mentorship, and tailored professional development opportunities. 
• Opportunities to engage with diverse leaders, educators, and experts while enhancing leadership skills through targeted training sessions and workshops.
• Tools to help shape the future of education by contributing innovative ideas and solutions to address challenges in the field.

Learn more about this amazing program from 2023-24 Rising Leader Maya Maliakal in Why You Should Apply to the Rising Leaders Initiative. 

Would you or someone you know be a good fit for this program? Apply today! 

ENGAGE: Resources and Opportunities

Digital Distractions: The Case for Phone-Free Schools 

• Who: Vertex Partnership Academies 
• What: Since many school leaders are grappling with the issue of removing distractions from the classroom, Vertex Partnership Academies is hosting a fascinating panel discussion on how to build a digital-free environment in schools. 
• When: Mar. 6 at 5 p.m. ET 
• Where: RSVP to attend in person or virtually. 

Elevating Equity in Public Education: The Value of Charter School Leaders of Color 

• Who: Hosted by the National Alliance, BLACC, NCC, DCSC, FCCS, UNCF, and the Public Schools Caucus. Sponsored by the Charter Schools Development Corporation 
• What: Join charter school leaders from around the country to learn more about how charter schools permit families to choose a public school that best meets their needs. We will also discuss how charter schools recruit and retain educators who reflect the diversity of the communities served by the schools. 
• When: Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. ET 
• Where: 45 Independence Ave SW, Rayburn House Office Building Room 2044. RSVP Today. 

ATTEND: Upcoming Events

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

• Mar. 20-22: Great Hearts Institute National Symposium, proudly sponsored by the National Alliance -- Phoenix, AZ 
• Apr. 22-24: 2024 Charter Leaders of Color Confluence -- New Orleans, LA
• Apr. 23-25: Building Hope Impact Summit and Awards -- Miami, FL
• Jun. 30-Jul. 3: National Charter Schools Conference, hosted by The National Alliance-- Boston, MA 

See more upcoming events. 

READ: What We're Reading

• Indianapolis Charter School Teaches the Importance of Black Excellence | WRTV
• How 'Bright Spot' Schools in D.C., Deleware Are Getting Their Students Reading | The 74 
• TN Bill Moves Forward that Would Give Charter Schools First Dibs on Unused Public School Buildings | WBIR
• In Detroit Schools, Nothing Succeeds Like Failure | Mackinac Center for Public Policy  

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• Making a tax-deductible gift
• Getting involved

Thank you!