How School Choice Vouchers Will Benefit Georgia's Black Communities | On Point with Juandolyn Stokes

On Point with Juandolyn Stokes, host Juandolyn Stokes welcomed special guest Hera Varmah, the Communications and Events Assistant at The American Federation for Children to discuss the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act and the impact it will have on Georgia's Black communities. Varmah, a prominent advocate for educational reform, shared valuable insights on the school choice voucher program included in the Act and how it will benefit students and families in the state.

The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, which was recently signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, aims to provide increased access to quality education for students across the state which will start in the Fall of 2025.

During her appearance on the show, Varmah highlighted the importance of school choice in empowering families to make the best decisions for their children's education. She emphasized that the voucher program will particularly benefit Georgia's Black communities, many of whom have historically been underserved by the public school system, she spoke about her own education experience and how she benefited first hand in the State of Florida as a Florida tax-credit scholarship recipient. Varmah addressed questions from the audience including key components of the Act and the use of state funding to attend private schools.

Varmah explained that the voucher program will give parents the ability to choose schools that align with their values, beliefs, and educational goals for their children. This increased flexibility and freedom of choice will ultimately lead to better outcomes for students, as they will have access to schools that are better equipped to meet their individual needs.

Hera Varmah's appearance on On Point with Juandolyn Stokes shed light on the importance of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act and the school choice voucher program in providing greater opportunities for students in Georgia, particularly in Black communities. By empowering families to make informed decisions about their children's education, the Act has the potential to transform the educational landscape in the state and ensure that all students have access to high-quality schooling. You can go to www.georgiapolicy.org for more information on who’s eligible, who has access, how much they can receive, and when access begins for the Georgia school choice vouchers.