This week, MCIU was proud to welcome back students from across Montgomery County for the first Voices for Education session of the 2026–2027 school year.
Created in partnership with Children First, Voices for Education is a legislative advocacy group designed for students in grades 9–12. Throughout the year, students learn effective advocacy skills, how to lead with purpose, and ways to influence education policies throughout the Commonwealth. These meetings will culminate in a visit to Harrisburg this spring, where students have the opportunity to explore the historic Pennsylvania State Capitol and meet face-to-face with legislators to discuss issues affecting their schools and communities.
At this week’s opening program, students from ten Montgomery County School Districts collaborated to develop community agreements, establishing shared expectations for how the group will communicate and engage with one another throughout the year. Students then explored the civic process to better understand how legislative decisions are made and the most effective ways to make their voices heard.
“There aren’t many academic programs that are as transformative as Voices for Education,” said Christy Ruth, Program Administrator at MCIU who leads Voices for Education. “You see a newfound confidence in these students as they begin to realize that they can affect change by stepping up and using their voices. For the first time, they don’t have to sit on the sidelines while adults make the decisions. They are becoming part of the conversation.”
Since its inception, Voices for Education has been turning everyday high school students into young leaders and advocates, equipping them with the tools to create change at both the local and statewide levels. We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort and look forward to seeing them grow in confidence, strengthen their voices, and put their advocacy skills into action throughout the year.
Check out this highlight reel featuring students from Voices for Education as they share what being part of the program meant to them.
