In a powerful display of youth leadership and advocacy, students in the Lenfest Future Educators Academy traveled to the Pennsylvania State Capitol on May 4, 2026, to advocate for the future of local teachers.

The group of students, who are taking specialized courses and curriculum to help support their goal of becoming future teachers, joined forces with the PA Needs Teachers coalition and Teach Plus Pennsylvania. In Harrisburg, the students spent the day engaging directly with lawmakers to address the state’s teacher shortage. The group of students met with State Representatives Pat Gallagher, Sean Dougherty, Joseph Hohenstein, and Mark Gillen, State Senators Sharif Street and Vincent Hughes, and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis.

Lenfest Campus 11th-grade student Samia Bradley spoke during a press conference at the State Capitol, standing alongside Senator Hughes as she shared her perspective on the importance of investing in the next generation of educators. Her message emphasized the critical role student voices play in shaping education policy.

As Pennsylvania continues to look for ways to recruit and retain high-quality educators, the voices of these Lenfest students serve as a reminder about their power and impact.

About the Lenfest Future Educators Academy: 

Launched in partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, the program empowers students at Lenfest Campus to explore careers in education, increasing representation and building a robust pipeline of future teachers throughout the state.