Parents urge Maryland legislators to continue support for Boost scholarship funding

During a recent session of the Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee, heartfelt testimonies from parents highlighted the critical importance of the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship program. This funding initiative aims to provide low-income families with the opportunity to send their children to private schools, fostering a supportive educational environment.

One parent shared the story of her daughter, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She expressed gratitude for the BOOST scholarship, which enabled her daughter to attend Saint Andrew Apostle School. The parent emphasized the community feeling at the school, contrasting it with her daughter's previous experience where she struggled to make friends. The scholarship not only allowed her daughter to thrive academically but also provided essential support during challenging times, such as when her oldest daughter required surgery.

Another parent, Tardes Habte, originally from Ethiopia, spoke about the transformative impact of the BOOST program on his children's education. As a taxi driver, he explained that affording private school tuition would have been impossible without the scholarship. His children have excelled academically, with one daughter winning an essay contest and his son advancing a grade ahead due to the quality of education at Saint Francis International School.

The session also featured testimonies from representatives of local schools, including the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, which underscored the importance of funding for school health services. The school nurse plays a vital role in maintaining student health and safety, providing necessary medical care, and supporting the well-being of both students and staff.

The overarching message from the meeting was a strong call to action for continued support of the BOOST scholarship program. Parents and educators alike urged lawmakers to recognize the program's role in strengthening families and communities by providing access to quality education. As the session concluded, the commitment to ensuring that future generations can benefit from such educational opportunities remained a focal point for the committee.