Hello, my name is Sam, and I am a charter public school student in Spokane, WA. I have grown up in non-traditional schools, and my experience with them has been amazing. I am a strong believer in educational equity and equal opportunity, and I want to be part of something that works toward that same goal. I became interested in the WCSAG program because I am passionate about my school and schools like it. Since my first year at my charter public school, I have been advocating for my student body, and I am a part of my school’s Associated Student Body (ASB), so the WCSAG program was a natural fit for me. I am excited to expand my advocacy and communications skills and learn more about policy within Washington state. It is also such an amazing opportunity to connect and work with other charter public school students across the state.
I am interested in all aspects of how policy is created. I am excited to learn how advocacy groups like WA Charters decide what to advocate for and how to do it effectively. I am also interested in what legislators focus on when listening to advocacy groups and the specific impact. I am hoping to apply my passion for charter public schools in an impactful way and make a real difference. This program will give me vital work and communications experience that I will be able to apply to the rest of my academic and professional career.
In the current political climate, at both national and state levels, it is more important than ever to put our voices to work to fight for what we believe in. I am learning that policy is much more than just writing laws. Crafting policy is creating a plan of action based on fundamental values meant to achieve a common goal. WA Charters makes policy by engaging the charter public school community and advocates for what matters to those community members across the state. Communication means actively listening to and amplifying the voices of teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders invested in strengthening educational equity. In the WCSAG program, we are learning to advocate by talking to legislators in impactful, effective ways.
Following this internship, I want to be politically active throughout my community and support fellow young people in their advocacy journeys. As a high school senior, I want to contribute to the continuing success of all students in Washington state and support those who may need a different approach to education. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the unique programs I have been fortunate to be part of.