The National Charter Schools Week 2021: 30 Year Strong celebration took place May 9-15, 2021. This year’s celebration was an exciting one as it is the 30th anniversary of the first charter school law, which changed the future of public education and student success forever.
Take a look back on the celebration of 30 Years Strong!
Monday – Announced the 30 Under 30 Changemakers
As part of the 30 Years Strong celebration, we recognize 30 Under 30 Changemakers. 30 young people in the charter school community who have an outsized impact in their communities, our nation, and the world in Arts, Writing, and Sports, Education and Politics, Leadership, Science, and Social Justice.
Changemakers like Darnella Frazier, 18, a student at Augsburg Fairview Academy in Minnesota whose video of George Floyd’s murder drove a wave of activism for racial justice across the country. Or Davian Morgan, 29, who started his teaching career as a 1st grade teacher through Teach For America at the same charter school he now helps lead.
Watch the video below for profiles on all the 30 Under 30 Changemakers.
Tuesday – Recognized 30 Years Strong of Charter Schools
In recognition of the 30th anniversary, we reflected on the milestones since the first law was passed in Minnesota in 1991. From the first charter school to serving 3M students to leading the way during the pandemic, charter schools have accomplished much in the past 30 years.
Watch our video for a look back on how far we’ve come:
Wednesday – Honored the 30 Under 30 Changemakers
There’s a lot to be excited about during National Charter Schools Week 2021, but we were most excited to honor our 30 Under 30 Changemakers from the charter school community!
The virtual awards ceremony featured interviews with several awardees, including Mari Copeny, 13, a student at Woodland Park Academy known as “Little Miss Flint,” and Kalan Rogers, 27, a graduate of Calhoun Falls Charter High School who is now in his third year as principal of his alma mater
Watch the full awards ceremony to learn more about the awardees:
Thursday – Elevated Student Voices
Students from across the country reached out to their congressional representatives (via their teachers) to share what they love about their charter school. And why it’s important to continue to support the growth and expansion of more charter schools through programs like the Charter Schools Program.
Friday – Shared the #CharterLove
With this year’s celebration, we loved seeing all the #CharterSchoolsWeek content on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The week was celebrated by schools, our 30 Under 30 Changemakers, federal and state elected officials, and state organizations.
Take a look at the 2021 celebration video:
The celebration wouldn’t be the same without the students, families, teachers, leaders, and advocates who are changemakers in public education. We hope you will continue joining us in this important work beyond National Charter Schools Week!
Melinda Tolliver is the senior manager of digital strategy at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
