Since 2004, 6,385 low-income students have attended private schools through the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (DCOSP), with 90% graduating from high school and 88% continuing their education at a two-year or four-year college. However, DCOSP is authorized through the end of FY2016.
On Tuesday, June 12, The Parent Network for Better Education held a seminar to educate Capitol Hill staff on the importance of the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. Parents shared how their children’s experience in school evolved since the scholarship and discussed how critical the program is for many DC families.
Here are a just a few of the important parent highlights from the event:
Felix Adeliyi
Felix was ecstatic when his children were accepted for the Opportunity Scholarship Program. Felix applied to the program to provide his children with the best possible educational opportunities available to them.
“If not for the DC scholarship program, I don’t know where my children would be…” -Felix Adeliyi, DC, Father pic.twitter.com/AWlIC3Qa3o
— Center for Ed Reform (@edreform) June 13, 2016
“My daughter would call the teacher at 11 o’clock at night when she would get stuck with her homework. I asked why are you calling that teacher, she is sleep. She said, ‘because that teacher is like a mother to me.’ I see her wanting to go to school everyday. She wakes me up wanting to go. It teaches her behavior that will lead her to grow.”
Francine Johnson
Johnson is a mother who lives in Ward 5 and her daughter attends Archbishop Carroll High School where she is currently in the 10th grade.
“My daughter is an DCOSP student and is much more confident. She is already talking about going to college and academically she is stronger. [Through DCOSP] she will grow to be a stronger students in this diverse society.”
“Without the scholarship program I would note be able to afford the school my daughter is enrolled in…I thank those who support this program.”
“If I can give my child the best, I’m going to go the extra mile to do that.”
Muanza Sangamay
Muanza applied for the Opportunity Scholarship Program because she wanted to give her children the opportunity to have the best education experience possible.
“I can see the difference in my child’s homework. In the public school they had little homework. Now, in the private school they are having homework every single day. This is good cause everyday they are practicing different subjects.”
“I like having the power to provide the best education for my child.” #DCOSP pic.twitter.com/bjKdSg1fm4
— Center for Ed Reform (@edreform) June 13, 2016