Our Stories

Our Stories

2026 General Elections Endorsements

Sep 11, 2026 0 2 min read
2026 General Elections Endorsements
Stand for Children IL PAC, a bipartisan state political action committee, released its endorsements for the 2026 Illinois legislative General Elections.

Flipping the Script: Making Scholarships Work for Public School Kids

Sep 10, 2026 0 2 min read
Flipping the Script: Making Scholarships Work for Public School Kids
In 2027, a federal tax credit will take effect, allowing taxpayers across the U.S., including Illinois, to claim a tax credit of up to $1,700 for donating to student funding. IL taxpayers could have the potential to redirect up to $6 billion of their federal taxes from the IRS to student funding. But Illinois students will only be able to access those resources if the state “opts in” to the program. The decision to participate rests with Governor Pritzker.

The NewsSTAND: August 2026

Aug 24, 2026 0 1 min read
The NewsSTAND: August 2026
August 2026 wrap up of the top issues, successes, and updates about Illinois education and children.

Congratulations, Fellows!

Aug 17, 2026 0 7 min read
Congratulations, Fellows!
Earlier this summer, we began a fellowship for high school students to explore and learn about the impact of having access to career exploration programs in high school. Join us in congratulating our summer fellowship graduates!

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Working Group Values Statement

Aug 10, 2026 2 3 min read
pig bank with graduation hat, pencils in a cup, and book in front of a school board.
Given that 90% of students attend public schools, statewide education advocates have a responsibility to try to design creative, innovative, values-based approaches to turn these funds into positive educational outcomes.

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.