Giving students a chance to be heard!
The Institute has a rich history in our home state's charter public schools sector. Because of this, we are so proud of the thousands of students who annually attend charter schools throughout Michigan, and of the thousands of parents, teachers, school leaders, and charter school board members who are hard at work each day to help kids succeed. To celebrate National Charter Schools Week each year and to encourage charter school students to show pride in their schools and show the positive, transformative impact charter schools are having on children every day, we are proud to annually sponsor a statewide essay contest. We started the Essay Contest in 2016 and have since received an overwhelming response -- hearts and minds are inspired and students are dreaming big dreams!
The 2019 Essay Contest starts during National School Choice Week: January 20-26, 2019!
2018 Essay Contest winners!
Since launching the essay contest during National School Choice Week in January, more than 300 Michigan charter school students have shared their stories with us about who their heroes are. We were deeply moved by the essays received.
Through these stories, we learned of many, many students who are embracing challenges and beating the odds day-in and day-out. We have come to understand that their mothers, siblings, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and other special people in their lives are making an overwhelming difference and coaching them toward success through hard work and yes, often hardship. Michigan’s charter schools are full of strong and diverse students who are beating the odds and winning — we couldn’t be more proud!
Our accolades go out to all of the students who submitted. We are pleased to share the essays of our winners:
