Ohio’s school choice voucher program is making serious waves, especially for students who typically face the steepest challenges—minorities, low-income families, boys, and those who struggle academically. A new study is showing clear-cut gains for these groups, shining a light on how much a simple change in school can mean.

One particularly powerful story comes from Walter T. Blanks Jr., who says he was two grades behind and facing daily bullying before his mom made a life-altering decision. Instead of waiting for his underperforming school to turn around—something the principal promised would take five years—Walter’s mom jumped at the chance offered by the EdChoice Scholarship Program. According to Walter, that quick move quite literally saved his life.

"It was really hard growing up. I was in an educational environment that just simply did not work for me," he shared. When the school asked for five more years to fix things, his mother replied with brutal honesty: "In five years, Walter will either be in jail or in a body bag." That’s not exactly the kind of college prep talk most parents want to give.

Through the EdChoice Scholarship, Walter attended a private Christian school, which, he says, gave him both academic direction and a strong sense of character. "Not only was I getting the academic portion, but also the moral side of things," he said, adding that it was a blessing for his family and many others across Ohio. He’s since earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media production from Mount Vernon Nazarene University—talk about a plot twist.

Backing up his experience, the Urban Institute’s latest study found that EdChoice students in Ohio had an 18% higher college enrollment rate among Black recipients, and were more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than their public school peers. Overall, the college enrollment rate for voucher recipients was 16% higher, and the graduation rate was 8% higher, compared to public school students. That’s some real academic rocket fuel for kids who might otherwise be treading water.

Walter now works as a spokesperson for the American Federation for Children and pushes for school choice nationwide. He argues every family should have the right to pick the best learning environment for their kids. "Children can no longer wait," he insists, noting that national leaders are increasingly backing these options to help more kids thrive.

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