Our Stories

Our Stories

Do high schoolers feel prepared for life after graduation?

Jul 6, 2026 0 3 min read
Do high schoolers feel prepared for life after graduation?
On average, 60% of Illinois high school graduates do not enroll in a 4-year university within 12 months of graduation at a traditional 4-year institution. Most graduates in Illinois go directly into the workforce, enroll in community college, attend trade schools, or pursue other career alternatives.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program: Should Illinois opt in or opt out? Here is what the critics say

Jun 22, 2026 0 6 min read
IL state capitol building with a blue sky background.
The debate on whether Illinois should opt in or out of the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program has been growing in the last few months. After a review of the facts, our conclusion was to hold out on judgment as we await further guidance from the federal government and continue to learn from stakeholders on both sides of the debate. To help Illinois’ families better understand the impact of the tax scholarship program and the positions of proponents and opponents, we hosted a Virtual Townhall on June 10th.

Illinois Phone-Free Schools Implementation Guide

Jun 18, 2026 0 1 min read
Three students standing next to each other holding cell phones in their hands.
NEW Illinois Phone-Free Schools Implementation Guide Released

Public Comments for proposed rules for Dual Credit

May 8, 2026 0 1 min read
Public Comments for proposed rules for Dual Credit
Stand for Children Illinois made public comments to the Illinois Community College Board’s proposed rules for Dual Credit programs.

The NewsSTAND: May 2026

May 7, 2026 0 1 min read
September 2023. The NewsSTAND. blue gradient
May 2026 wrap up of the top issues, successes, and updates about Illinois education and children.

Confused About… the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program? 

Mar 4, 2026 2 9 min read
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The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program gives taxpayers an up-to-$1,700 credit on their federal income taxes if they contribute up to $1,700 to a “Scholarship-Granting Organization” (SGO) starting in 2027. That’s a dollar-for-dollar credit, and there’s no cap on the number of taxpayers who can use it.