Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC) co-founder Karen Parker Thompson has never forgotten a conversation with a professor about the first year of the Student Teacher Support Program, which helps future educators make ends meet during their full-time unpaid internship.

‍

“Many of her student teachers eagerly applied for the stipend, only to learn that by the time their applications were processed, the funding had already been exhausted,” she shared. “Their excitement quickly turned into disappointment as they completed their teaching requirements while juggling unpaid work, bills, transportation, and the realities of making ends meet.”

‍

On July 12, 2026, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget into law, and it included a $40 million investment in the Student Teacher Support Program. That’s $10 million more than last year and $5 million more than Shapiro originally proposed in February.

‍

“When this year's budget increased funding for the program, I immediately thought of those students and hoped that more aspiring educators in her program would receive the support they deserve,” said Karen. “It reminded me that behind every budget line is a person—a future teacher whose ability to remain in the profession can hinge on receiving the financial support they need. That's why this investment matters so deeply.”

‍

This is a big win for the future of our education system. It increases access to the profession to more people from more diverse backgrounds, which translates to stronger student engagement, stronger schools, and ultimately, stronger communities. 

‍

In Pennsylvania, all future educators are required to complete a full-time student teaching semester. The catch? It’s unpaid. That reality is a huge barrier for future educators, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities. 

‍

This is directly tied to PEDC’s mission. We’ve named financial compensation structures as an active discouragement to entering the education profession and identified the certification and preparation process as labor-intensive, costly, and unevenly supported by income-based financial assistance.

‍

The Student Teacher Support Program addresses that directly, providing $10,000 stipends to future educators during their student teaching semester. This can mean the difference between graduating and choosing a different path, especially as students continue to face rising tuition, housing, transportation, and basic living costs.

‍

And Pennsylvania really needs them to finish their degrees.

‍

A decade ago, the commonwealth prepared 19,000 new teachers to enter the workforce each year. That number has dropped to fewer than 7,000. 

‍

The situation is even more dire for educators of color. Pennsylvania teacher prep programs see far too few students of color entering — less than 14% — and even fewer staying — 7% of current educators.

‍

The need for teachers of color continues to rise, with nearly 40% of Pennsylvania’s students being people of color. When those students learn from educators who reflect their experiences, they are more likely to graduate from high school, be prepared to do well in college, and get ready for the workforce. 

‍

In fact, research shows that all learners can benefit from having teachers of color.

‍

That’s why we are so dedicated to helping eliminate the disparity between educators and learners of color and ensure learners of all backgrounds and identities can benefit from having a diverse educator workforce. 

‍

Each day, we work to drive systemic change that removes structural barriers — like financial compensation structures — that weaken our education system and disproportionately impact people of color. This budget cycle was no different.

‍

PEDC’s community helped make it happen: the coalition members who strategized with us; aspiring educators who shared their stories; op-ed writers; everyone who called, emailed, or met with their lawmakers; and our legislative partners who negotiated this funding.

‍

This is a reminder of what’s possible, especially through the sustained advocacy, coalition-building, and relationship-building that is central to our approach.

Despite the progress made, that conversation from 2023 still lingers in Karen’s mind. While this is a moment to celebrate, our work is far from over. 

‍

Even at $40 million the program is still not funded at a level that meets current demand. If students haven’t already applied for this year, their chance of getting the stipend is low, despite the fact that the application window continues into September. Some students still don’t know the program exists or feel discouraged to apply when they see upperclassmen peers get denied. 

‍

At PEDC, we envision a future where each learner in Pennsylvania experiences racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse and culturally relevant educators leading their classrooms and education institutions. 

‍

And so, we persist. We continue working together, united by our shared dedication to the cause and grounded in joy, justice, and the belief that lasting change starts with each of us. 

‍

Looking to get involved? We’d love to have you.