Students for Education Launches National Expansion, Empowering Youth to Influence Policy across the U.S.

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NASHVILLE, TN (October 28, 2024) – Students for Education (SFE), a Tennessee-founded nonprofit dedicated to empowering students to influence policy and advocate for their own education, is excited to announce its national expansion. With state coordinators now appointed in eight states including Tennessee, Alabama, Washington, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania as well as The District of Columbia, SFE is poised to mobilize a network of civically engaged young people across the nation. State coordinators will lead chapter heads in advising students on engagement, legislative advocacy, and active involvement in their communities. 

SFE’s expansion follows major successes in Tennessee, including the establishment of 12 active chapters and unanimous support in two House committees for Tennessee House Bill 2818. In August, SFE hosted a policy forum with panels that featured state legislators (Sen. Heidi Campbell, Rep. Caleb Hemmer), candidates for higher office (Maryam Abofazli, Lore Bergman), as well as community leaders, educators, and students, for the purpose of fostering meaningful discussions on issues affecting today’s youth. This event showcased SFE’s commitment to providing students with the resources and connections they need to have a seat at the table where policy is dictated. 

“For the past three years, we have conveyed, by example, the power and utility that a student inherently possesses through their voice,” said President Brendan West. “As SFE expands nationally, we aim to help students across every state realize this power, and aid them in recognizing their responsibility as citizens living in a democracy. In the midst of an extremely turbulent political landscape, we remain confident that the future will be shaped by meaningful youth engagement and civic participation. We’re excited by the opportunity to foster that engagement.” 

As SFE’s reach expands, students across all 50 states are invited to join this movement and help create a more participatory future for young Americans. 

About Students for Education:

Students for Education (SFE) is a nonprofit founded in 2021 by Brendan West, (University School of Nashville, 2025), to address challenges in U.S. education and empower student engagement within all types of government. Today, SFE has over 90 members across more than 20 schools nationwide, with active chapters in both public and private schools.