Our mission
Students for Education (SFE) was founded with the mission that students should be empowered to advocate for their own civic learning. Through legislative advocacy, community-oriented initiatives, and a strong chapter network, we strive to build strong communities and ensure that every student has meaningful access to civic engagement opportunities.
It's time that we earn a seat at the table - that our requests are, not only heard, but considered by lawmakers. It's long overdue that our needs are met. Students for Education works with high school students and legislators from across the state to work on a collaborative solution to most any issue afflicting Tennessee's education system today through lobbying efforts, advocacy, and social network building.
Our Story
SFE began in 2021 as a small, student-led initiative in Tennessee, sparked by the shared frustrations and aspirations of students who wanted to see their voices reflected in educational policy. The mission of the organization became personal to a lot of us after the tragic Covenant school shooting in March 2023 - an event that only further motivated us to create change in schools and communities across Tennessee.
Since then, SFE has grown from an idea shared among friends to a statewide network--and now a national movement. In October, 2024, we officially announced our expansion to nine states and Washington, D.C., with chapters dedicated to creating positive change for students nationwide. Our journey has been marked my major achievements, including the hearing of HB2818 in Tennessee and significant civic events, which have opened new doors for student-led policy engagement.
Our Core Values
Civic Engagement
We believe in fostering a culture or student participation in civic processes, empowering them to make tangible change within their respective local and state governments.
Empowerment
We equip students with the tools and knowledge to advocate for, not only themselves, but their schools, their peers, and their community at-large.
Educational Advocacy
SFE focuses on advocating for policies that create positive, lasting changes within our education systems.
Political Cooperation
We aim to foster healthy discussion within our group, especially in hyper-partisan times.
Our impact
Legislative Advocacy
Tennessee Policy Forum
Growing Chapter Network
Our Leadership Team
Brendan West - President
My name is Brendan West - I'm the founder and President of Students for Education. I'm also a high schooler at the University School of Nashville. Throughout my life, I've been given an excellent education - something for which I'm extremely grateful. As I got older, however, I've begun to realize that so many other students, even some in Nashville, don't have access to the same quality learning. The summer before my freshman year, I started a project that would late become SFE to combat this problem. For the past 2 years, students from, not only my school, but students from all corners of Tennessee and all walks of life have joined SFE to be given a voice. Through our meetings with legislators and our lobbying for certain legislation - one thing has become clear to me and all of our members: students have the voice, the reach, and the power to affect change. This is what it's about for me, and why I am grateful to be in charge of such an amazing group of leaders. Change starts with us, and my goal is to make sure every student knows that.
Oliver Mcdowell - Vice President
I’m Oliver, the Vice President of Students for Education and a student at the University School of Nashville. I was first introduced to the group by the president of the organization and my friend Brendan West, who gave me a quick explanation of what it was and what it stood for, and soon enough we were organizing supplies drives and fundraisers. To me, SFE is an opportunity for students to not only learn about the current education system in their district, but also to work together to make change where it is necessary. Having lived in Tennessee my whole life, I have become increasingly aware of both the good and the bad parts of its education system. Recently, the system has let us down in numerous ways. Although it’s discouraging at times, I believe in my state and my community, and I have hope that we can make change. That change starts with us working together and allowing everyone to be a part of the conversation, especially students.
liam hoge - COO
Hey! my name is Liam Hoge, and i’m the COO of Students For Education. I’m a student at Martin Luther King Jr High School, where I’m a Principals List student, member of the Varsity Wrestling team, and a first chair Euphonium player in our band. I’ve always had an interest in government and seeing how things get done, and SFE has given me the perfect opportunity to expand those interests.
Ella kate harris - CFO
Hi, I’m Ella Kate, a senior at Central Magnet high and the project manager for Students For Education. I’ve been a prominent member of Tennessee Model UN and Youth in Government the last few years and I’ve seen the potential of what students are capable of. Throughout all of these years participating in student leadership activities, it has become apparent how Tennessee’s education system has failed it’s students. I hope that SFE will eventually become a catalyst for changes, necessary for the students' future, and foster an environment where students can expect the bare minimum from their administrators and not be disappointed.
Harper Hazlitt - Communications Director
Hi everyone, I'm Harper Hazlitt, the Director of Communications at SFE. I currently attend George Washington University and will be entering my freshman year. My first four years of school, I went to a Metro Nashville Public School. This is my first year in a leadership position at SFE and I am extremely excited for all of our upcoming projects! Education has always been an extremely important thing to me. As a former public school student, I know where the gaps in Tennessee's public education system lies, and have lots of ideas on how to fill them. Although I believe TN education is a work-in-progress, I trust that, with patience and tenacity, great things will come and that organizations like SFE will help fix our growing issues.
Meron Bekele - Policy Director
My name is Meron Bekele, I go to MLK Jr Magnet High School, and I’m SFE’s Advocacy Director. Heading into my junior year, I’m super excited to see the differences that we can make, and will put my best effort forward to ensure we make the most positive impact we can. Throughout middle school, I’ve transferred multiple times and I’ve seen how the quality of education can differ. With SFE, I strive to make education, no matter the institute, better, safer, and more enriching for all students no matter the background.
Beckett Dahir - Fundraising Director
Hi! My name is Beckett Dahir, and I serve as Students for Education’s Fundraising Director. I am a senior at the University of Nashville, where I am the high school Treasurer, the founder of the financial club, an active member of Model UN & Youth in Government, and a member of the cross-country team. I have been very interested in national and local politics since I was little, and I want to create a better community for everyone. I believe the best way to create equal opportunities for all people is to allow for equality in education. I have been involved with SFE since my freshman year, and I'm excited to be a part of the change we are creating.
Carmen Gaskin - Membership Coordinator
Hi guys! I’m Carmen Gaskin, SFE’s Membership Coordinator and a student at the University School of Nashville. Since I was little, education, government, and civic engagement has always been of interest to me, as I aimed to reach a deeper understanding of the components of education, and the people, places, and powers involved in making school a more inclusive and accessible environment for all grade levels. Having moved to Nashville from Norfolk, Virginia almost 3 years ago, I’ve gained exposure to a diverse spectrum of schools and first handedly seen the impacts different factors such as environment, representation, and awareness can have on the quality of education and student life. Working alongside SFE, I strive to augment the voices of education that have been impaired by the disparities of Tennessee’s government, and work towards opening educational opportunities for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, racial, or ethnic backgrounds.
Laine Vongviengkham - Project Manager
Hi, my name is Laine. I am a junior at Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School. I am proud to be serving as SFE’s Project Manager. Throughout my years in Tennessee’s education system, I have realized the inequalities among various schools in our state. Through my passion in civic engagement, I will strive to promote educational equality and truly make an impactful, positive change for all students. As Project Manager, I am excited to organize events advocating for improvement in the quality of our education, bringing Tennessee’s community of students closer together!
Abigail Tilahun - General Secretary
Hi! I’m Abigail Tilahun, the general secretary for SFE. I currently am entering my junior year at MLK Jr. magnet high school. I’ve been in public school my whole life so I’ve experienced first hand the gaps that our educational system has and how it affects students. My goal is for others to see the things public school students face and help fill these gaps for a better tomorrow. I’m really excited to be working along side all these great people and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
Maggie Earls - Social Media Manager
Hi! My name is Maggie Earls, and I am the social media manager for Students for Education. Additionally, I am the chapter head for my school, White House High School. I have been an active member of Model United Nations and an officer for Youth in Government, and this has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of how much our generation deserves better education, which is why I joined Students for Education. As the social media manager, I wish to spread impactful information about Students for Education and help Tennessee students gain a love for civic engagement and bettering our education. Being able to spread our message through social media has been a great joy for me, and I hope to continue to reach more students through my job.