Our Voices. Our Education.

Who We Are

We believe students’ perspectives should be taken into account when making important policy decisions. The A+ Student VOICES Team is a statewide, student-led advocacy group for students in grades 9-12 that works to make education better for Alabama students.

What We Do

We work to improve education in Alabama by ensuring students' perspectives are heard. Since 2018, the Team has traveled to Washington D.C. and met with the Alabama delegation, shared the Team's survey results with Governor Kay Ivey, met with Alabama Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey and Alabama State Board of Education Members, and has been recognized by the Alabama House Education Policy Committee.

We unite students from across Alabama to ensure we are included in the public policy process. By advocating for student-centered education policies, we ensure students have input on decisions that impact us most.

Our Sponsors

A+ Education Partnership and VOICES for Alabama's Children are non-partisan, non-profit organizations that aim to advocate for Alabama's children. The A+ Student VOICES is dedicated to furthering the mission of our sponsors.

Founded in 1991, A+ Education Partnership works to create great schools for every child in Alabama. With one foot in the statehouse and one foot in the schoolhouse, we work to improve outcomes for Alabama students by working with elected and appointed officials to promote policies that improve public education.

Founded in 1992, VOICES for Alabama’s Children's mission is to ensure the well-being of Alabama’s children through research, public awareness, and advocacy. Through data driven efforts, VOICES raises visibility of children’s issues, identify areas of need, prioritizes child well-being and informs decision-making at the state and local levels.

Program Staff

Megan Skipper, VP of Communications & Strategic Initiatives at A+ Education Partnership, Program Director

Megan received a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Auburn University and holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from Troy University. Megan began her career at the Montgomery Education Foundation as a communications and research coordinator. She joined the A+ team in December 2018 and was later promoted to VP of Communications & Strategic Initiatives.

Caroline Barnett, Communications & Strategic Initiatives Manager at A+ Education Partnership, Program Coordinator

Caroline received a bachelor's degree in political science from Auburn University. After interning at various social work agencies where she helped facilitate family enrichment programs, Caroline joined the A+ team as a student intern in 2020 to learn more about the role of quality education standards in promoting social equity. Caroline joined the A+ team full-time in 2023.

Dawn Owens, Community Engagement/Birth to Eight Policy Specialist at VOICES for Alabama's Children, Program Coordinator

Dawn is the Community Engagement/Birth-to-Eight Policy Specialist for VOICES for Alabama’s Children. She spearheads community engagement and policy work
focusing on children from birth to eight. The Mobile, Ala., native is an early childhood
professional with more than 30 years of experience, in teaching, coaching, identifying
needs and providing support to classroom teachers, and advocating for high-quality
early learning in Alabama.