As college students, we can attest to the fact that the world seems to be getting increasingly competitive, decreasing our chances of success in future endeavors. A good attitude and hard work can take you a long way, but a little help mixed into the equation could make all the difference. Pennsylvania Senate Bill #1, the Opportunity Scholarship Act, has the potential to be that helping hand for children inside the state, according to the PSU College Republicans.

The organization is holding a forum tonight at 7:00 p.m. in 102 Thomas, an event sponsored by FreedomWorks, Kitchen Table Patriots, and the Commonwealth Foundation. The forum will feature president of the Commonwealth Foundation Matthew Brouillette, State Senator Mike Folmer, and CEO of Quantum Communications Charles R. Gerow. Should children be confined to the schools where they live? This bill thinks not. It would provide money for low income students to escape their under-achieving schools for the school of their choosing.

According to a FreedomWorks article by Julie Borowski, “school spending per pupil has skyrocketed with no signs of any educational improvement.” She cites statistics from different regions that suggest pouring money into failing schools does not lead to improvement.

If failing students are the result of failing public schools, it seems only fair that the parents of those students would be able to place them into a more successful environment. Not all of the blame can be placed on the shoulders of schools, however, because not all minds are the same. Where some students excel, others are bound to fail, regardless of teaching.

Every student has the potential for success, regardless of the subject area. PA Senate Bill #1 seeks to reveal that potential through the ability to choose a school that compliments students’ abilities. Head to the forum tonight to learn more about its intent– and find out what its critics say about it.