Wrapping Up 2021

Updated on June 28, 2022
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The American Federation for Children Top Ten of 2021

As we welcome a new year, we’re taking a look back at some of AFC’s biggest accomplishments in 2021. Thanks to all of our allies, advocates, policymakers, and the families who made the year one to remember.

#10: Published Educational Resources of All Sorts

AFC publishes many educational resources to inform people about our work, and to help navigate the sometimes-complex world of education reform policy. Check out our publications gallery, or click one of the files below:

#9: Tera Myers, Mom on a Mission

Tera Myers fought tirelessly for her son, Samuel, and to pass a law to expand educational opportunities in Ohio. We are proud to work with Tera and to join her in launching a new website and short film about this ‘Mom on a Mission!

#8: Celebrating Milwaukee

In September, we gathered in Milwaukee for the AFC Policy Summit and to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the nation’s first private school choice program. We were proud to honor school choice champions, including Dr. Howard Fuller and Governor Tommy Thompson, two of the pioneers of school choice in America. We also released a short film about the origins of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.

#7: Education Freedom Pledge

Parents want the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. The pandemic only emphasized that need. So, this year AFC launched the Education Freedom Pledge — an opportunity for lawmakers to show their support for school choice and for voters to pledge to support school choice proponents. Hundreds of lawmakers and thousands of voters have signed the pledge since it launched in November.

#6: AFC in the News

AFC’s Corey DeAngelis, Denisha Merriweather, and Valeria Gurr have been killing it all year in the media. There’s too many clips to list them all here, but if you’d like to see Corey, Denisha, and Valeria on Fox, Newsmax, CNN, or Univision, just go ahead and click their names.

#5: Federacion Americana para los Ninos

AFC’s Valeria Gurr is leading a nationwide movement to elevate and empower Hispanic voices fighting for education freedom. Valeria is making the rounds in national print and tv media, has launched her own show, and is building a coalition of leaders and families ready to fight to expand school choice in America.

#4: Black Minds Matter

In its second year, Black Minds Matter, a project founded by AFC’s Denisha Merriweather, continues to gain momentum. Check out this video to learn more. We are also proud to share that Black Minds Matter was awarded a $100,000 grant by State Policy Network’s LaunchPad this year.

#3: Surpassed ONE MILLION in our Parent Army

AFC’s database of advocates surpassed one million people this year. That means A LOT of parents, students, and others are passionate about school choice and willing to lend their voices in the fight for education options.

#2: The Year of School Choice

This was a historic year for school choice in America. A record number of states passed legislation to create, expand, or improve school choice programs and hundreds of thousands of children stand to benefit. For a state by state snapshot, click here. We look forward to continuing the school choice wave into 2022.

#1 Voices for Choice & the Future Leaders Fellowship

Above all, school choice is about students and families and expanding educational opportunities for all. Be sure to read one of our nearly 800 personal school choice stories at VoicesforChoice.net. Additionally, please share your story with us so that we can include your voice in the database!

In 2019, AFC launched the Future Leaders Fellowship. I was proud to be a member of the first cohort of seven young adults who benefitted from school choice programs in America. Since then, we’ve expanded the program to include more than 30 Fellows, welcoming 13 in the 2022 cohort. These are the next leaders in school choice advocacy: those who can speak most powerfully about the life changing reality of school choice. Check out this video to learn more.

Wrapping Up 2021

The American Federation for Children Top Ten of 2021