Palmetto Promise’s School Choice Efforts Named Finalist for Two Awards

Palmetto Promise Institute is pleased to announce that we have been named a finalist for two State Policy Network awards due to our diligent work to restore school choice for South Carolina families.

In the 2024-25 school year, South Carolina’s first ESA program was finally underway, and thousands of low-income families were enrolled in their new schools of choice. But they were struck a devastating blow when mid-year the state Supreme Court struck down the program and rendered ESA scholarships useless for tuition. Palmetto Promise immediately sprung into action, capturing the stories of those parents through videos and letters to show state legislators the urgency of restoring school choice. Our efforts ensured ESAs were at the top of the 2025 legislative agenda. In the meantime, we used those stories to successfully raise $2.5 million for our ESTF Families Rescue Fund to make up for the lost scholarships. When legislators were considering the bill to restore the program, we sent them each a 70+ page packet of letters from parents who had lost their scholarships because of the court ruling, and we brought dozens of parents to testify in committee hearings. After months of digital campaigns, amplifying parent stories, and direct advocacy, we were proud to see the South Carolina General Assembly pass an ESA bill that was even stronger and more expansive.

The Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievements is one of the highest honors for State Policy Network affiliates. We are a finalist for the Biggest Win for Freedom award, which recognizes the organization(s) whose effort was instrumental toward securing a significant policy victory this year.

Here is what the State Policy Network wrote about our nomination:

Palmetto Promise Institute – Giving Hope to South Carolina Students 
After the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the state’s ESA program, Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) sprang into action—determined to protect families and preserve education choice. As the organization that introduced ESAs to the state in 2017, PPI responded to the crisis by mobilizing parents, launching a legal and legislative strategy, forming an advocacy capacity to their Durable Freedom Infrastructure, and raising $2.5 million through an emergency Rescue Fund to keep students in their schools.

Their swift, integrated response—grounded in policy, communications, and compassion—resulted in the passage of a stronger, permanent ESA law. Today, 10,000 students are benefiting, 98 percent of families have reapplied, and every scholarship has been claimed. PPI’s bold, all-hands approach turned a devastating court loss into a landmark policy comeback. More than a state win, it’s a roadmap for the school choice movement nationwide—proving that when education freedom is threatened, state-based organizations like PPI are best positioned to lead the charge and deliver lasting results.

The SPN Communication Excellence Awards are designed to recognize the outstanding accomplishments in the network to communicate and market ideas. Our ESTF parent videos, sharing the reactions and heartbreak of parents after the state Supreme Court ripped away their ESA scholarships in the middle of the school year, have earned us a spot as a finalist for the Excellence in Storytelling award, which recognizes storytelling that truly impacted an organization’s brand image and policy impact.

Here is our storytelling nomination from SPN:

Palmetto Promise Institute – Restoring Hope to South Carolina Families
When South Carolina’s Supreme Court abruptly halted ESA funds mid-school year, Palmetto Promise Institute quickly mobilized to protect the families affected. The organization began collecting parent testimonies and filmed interviews with more than 35 families across the state.

Palmetto Promise then launched a multi-platform campaign—targeting lawmakers with digital ads, distributing personal letters, and showcasing emotional videos across social media and streaming platforms. Their strategic pressure helped trigger an emergency Senate hearing, secure a $2.5 million Rescue Fund for families, and elevate ESA legislation to the top of the 2025 agenda.

By putting the voices of low-income parents front and center, Palmetto Promise drove urgent action and reinforced its reputation as one of South Carolina’s most effective advocates for education reform.

Voting for both awards is limited to attendees of the State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting, held in August in New Orleans. Attendees can cast their votes starting June 30 through 11:59pm on July 10.

VOTE FOR PALMETTO PROMISE FOR THE BOB WILLIAMS AWARD.

VOTE FOR PALMETTO PROMISE FOR THE COMMUNICATION EXCELLENCE AWARD.

To find your annual meeting registration confirmation code (needed to vote), click here.