NASHVILLE - One year ago, we opened the doors of opportunity for Tennessee families with Education Freedom Scholarships – a school choice program for students in all 95 counties across our state – and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We cast a strong vision to put parents back in the driver’s seat, give families a say in their child’s education, and give every child access to the education that best fits their unique needs – because every child learns differently.

Today, that vision is a reality, with 20,000 students thriving in a classroom that’s right for them – and families who, at last, have a choice in their child’s education.

But what really tells the story? Soaring demand.

Last year, 40,000 students applied for 20,000 Education Freedom Scholarships. This year, applications surged to 56,000 for those same 20,000 spots – that’s nearly three families competing for every available seat.

99% of last year’s scholarship recipients submitted a renewal application this year, reflecting complete satisfaction with the program.

Notably, half of new applicants – nearly 18,000 – are from low and middle income families, demonstrating high demand from Tennesseans across varied economic and demographic groups.

If we do nothing, these students will continue to wait – without options. We owe it to their families to expand education freedom this year.

Parents know best, and they’ve sent a clear message: it’s time for more school choice.

Support for growing the Education Freedom Scholarship program extends beyond parents, too. The majority of Tennesseans – 56 percent – support program expansion so that all eligible students who apply can participate.

Last year, Tennessee joined the 18 states across the country that now have universal school choice programs, but we're still lagging behind as states like Florida and Arizona currently outpace Tennessee’s scholarships up to 28 to one.

With another investment in Education Freedom Scholarships this year, we can close that gap and ensure the Volunteer State remains a national leader in school choice.

I’ve said many times that education has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life forever. After a strong first year of the Education Freedom Scholarship program, I believe that now more than ever.

We’ve seen success stories all across our state, like the McCuiston family in Maryville.

Last school year, James and Stephanie McCuiston were looking for a solution for their son, Manasseh, who has unique learning challenges. He needed more assistance and would benefit from smaller class sizes, but financial barriers and a lack of options made finding a solution impossible.

Education freedom changed everything for their family. After being awarded two scholarships, they were able to enroll Manasseh and their daughter, Janessa, at River’s Edge Christian in Knoxville, and it’s been life-changing.

Today, both of their children are thriving in a supportive environment where they are challenged academically, encouraged in their faith, and given the tools needed to succeed.

But right now, 36,000 students just like Manasseh and Janessa are still waiting for a shot at education freedom.

The most important investment we can make for Tennessee’s future is an education that works for every child.

We’ve delivered more than $2.5 billion to public schools since 2019, with another $340 million in the budget this year. At the same time, we should fulfill our commitment to the Tennessee families who are still waiting for school choice.

Opportunity should never be limited by a waiting list.

It’s time for Tennessee to double the number of available scholarships to 40,000, delivering education freedom for thousands more Tennessee students in the upcoming school year.