Director of Advocacy Karina Arango and Executive Director Faith Sandler are ready for the new year. (Lead Student Advisor Dominesha Newton also pictured.)
noun
the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
watchfulness, attention, care, caution, prudence, heed
It is a new year, and many are on edge at what might happen at the state and federal levels as new administrations take hold. Since November, media has offered ample conjecture. Among us, some fret while others are eager. We write to remind you that The Scholarship Foundation is non-partisan, organized, and clear in our policy positions and priorities. And we note that vigilance is a noun and not a verb.
Right now, we ask you to join us in disciplined vigilance.
Two priorities have driven the work and the advocacy of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis since its founding in 1920:
- The need for an educated society to sustain democracy.
- The right to quality education regardless of economic circumstance.
We continue to stand in support of just laws and effective policies toward these priorities and to oppose governmental and institutional actions that work against democratic principles and access to quality education.
(From left to right) Back row: Imani Fluellen, Ilori Tankpinou, Kevin Stokes-Bonnett, Chris Rose, and Olajuwon Davis. Front row: Melanie Rivera Nuñez, Brayneisha Edwards, Shaniyah Sparkling, Rocio Romero Gaona, and Sharita Franklin.
Following the example of young leaders and scholars, who have so much at stake in this moment, can offer valuable insights and guidance. In a program now ten years old, Scholarship Foundation policy fellows are current college students and recent graduates, all of whom have needed and received significant financial support from The Scholarship Foundation. Their dedication and insight demonstrate the power of education and civic engagement. Fellows analyze issues and direct the policy agenda of the organization. Here are their tips:
- Don’t panic! Yes, the challenges will be real but they are not entirely new and we are collectively ready. We must protect our energy and be strategic.
- Not everything requires response! We will be focused on our priorities, not distracted by each hot issue or filed bill.
- Stay vigilant and ready! We’re watching. As bills move forward, we will act within our existing policies for civic engagement and representation.
Missouri lawmakers have returned to Jefferson City to begin a new session. New members are sworn-in and a new governor will take office on January 13. The period for pre-filing bills began December 2. As of January 7, the end of pre-filing season, 1,332 bills had already been filed (in most years the number pre-filed ranges from 600-800). Education and immigration are among the hot topics; relevant bills will be tracked by policy fellows for possible Scholarship Foundation action as the legislative session progresses.
At the federal level, both chambers of Congress convened the first week of January. As always, The Scholarship Foundation will be joining partners nationally in monitoring fiscal issues affecting low-income households with specific focus on higher education opportunity and need-based financial aid. Immigration policy and election reform are also likely to be topics on which the Foundation may engage, if proposed policies are relevant to the Foundation’s mission.
It is certain that 2025 will be unusually challenging. It is also certain that The Scholarship Foundation will stand strong. We have already developed organization-wide training and deeper discussions at the student, staff, and board levels and will continue throughout 2025. Together, through vigilance and strategic action, we will continue to champion education and democracy in the year ahead, keeping the needs of students in full focus.
– Karina Arango and Faith Sandler
