Olivia A. Chase
Civic Leader
Education Reform Now Advocacy
DC Council’s Committee of the Whole FY 2025 Budget Oversight Hearing on:
- Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education
- District of Columbia Public Schools
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Greetings, Chairman Mendelson and Committee of the Whole members,
My name is Olivia A. Chase, a resident of Ward 6 and a steadfast advocate with the D.C. Chapter of Education Reform Now Advocacy. I stand before you as a grandparent raising a grandchild, navigating the complexities of our educational and justice systems. Today, I urge you to consider the profound impact of our decisions on students like my grandchild who is a student at McCarthur High School, particularly regarding secondary education pathways, public transportation, and safety.
The urgency of our task is underscored by stark statistics: nearly 80% of our students failed to meet math standards last year, a foundational skill critical for many high-demand careers. Moreover, only 51% of our students transition to college, with a mere 18% completing their degree within six years. These figures are not just numbers; they represent lost potential and diminished futures.
Our youth, especially those like my grandchild, face unique challenges that can derail their educational journeys. With my grandchild’s parents incarcerated, the obstacles multiply, making the promise of safe, accessible secondary education pathways not just an educational issue but a lifeline.
The Mayor’s proposed FY2025 Budget and Fiscal Plan includes several key investments to expand dual enrollment opportunities in DC: $17 million to expand the Advanced Technical Center at Penn Center; $600,000 to support the opening of a new Advanced Technical Center at the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center in Ward 8; and $5 million to Reimagine High School, support the Advanced Technical Center in Ward 5, Career Ready Internship, Advanced Technical Internship, and maintain dual enrollment seats.
Still, there are additional considerations needed to enhance our offerings. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) must do the following::
- Enhance marketing efforts for dual enrollment to reach more students like mine.
- Collect and analyze data to continuously improve and tailor the programs to our students’ needs.
- Expand in-person, cohort-based dual enrollment opportunities at local education agencies to help build these worthwhile opportunities into the school day.
Additionally, D.C. must continue to work to incentivize employers to hire students in high-demand, high-wage careers. In closing, I ask you to see beyond the statistics and recognize the faces they represent: students who aspire to learn and succeed despite the odds. Let’s ensure that our actions today forge a path to a brighter, more secure future for all our children.
Thank you for your time and consideration.