2024 Election Guide
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The Governor?and First Lady?Shapiro?are?committed to ensuring that students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom – he secured $3 million in this year’s budget to provide free menstrual products for students in K-12 schools.
Lititz, PA?- On December 17, 2024,?First Lady Lori Shapiro?visited Warwick Middle School to highlight how the Warwick School District?supports their students by offering free menstrual products in school restrooms in partnership with local, parent-led nonprofit, Warwick United. First Lady Shapiro met with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to discuss the importance of the program and learn more about student needs.??
“Period products are a basic hygiene necessity for students – yet there are too many young girls across the Commonwealth that go to school worrying about whether they’ll have access to pads or tampons during the school day,” said?First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro.?“I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit Warwick Middle School to learn more about the ways they’ve ensured peace of mind for their students by providing free menstrual products in partnership with Warwick United – and I’m proud that this year that work will now be supported here in Warwick and in schools across the Commonwealth with state funding for the first time ever.”
This program was initially launched by Warwick United, a parent-led nonprofit, and products were entirely funded by donations and grants from a Penn Medicine CAREs Program. This year, Warwick School District will use state funding to continue this program – and Warwick United will continue to complement their efforts to ensure every child has resources they need throughout the school day.
Governor Shapiro is committed to ensuring that students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom, which is why he secured $3 million in this year’s budget to provide free menstrual products for students in K-12 schools. With this funding, Pennsylvania joined 16 other states and D.C. in providing free products in schools. The funding has been allocated to all school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools based on the number of students enrolled.
"We pride ourselves at Warwick in supporting?the whole child. Although?it doesn't get talked about enough, this is an area of need for some of our students. We are blessed through local organizations and the?state's support to be able to support this need,” said Dr. Steve Szobocsan, Acting Superintendent.
"At Warwick School District, we see students navigating many challenges, including access to basic hygiene products, which can directly impact their confidence, attendance, and focus in class,” said Kristen Bedger, High School CSN. “By providing period products in the bathrooms, we're addressing a critical need and ensuring students feel supported and empowered to succeed academically and personally. This initiative removes a significant barrier for students who may otherwise lack access to these necessities, creating a more equitable and inclusive school environment."
The program was started by Warwick United, a 501(c3) non-profit advocacy organization that works to support Warwick’s learners. Warwick United has been providing products to the middle school and high school in all female and gender-neutral bathrooms since Fall 2023.?
“It’s been really exciting to see the Commonwealth put funding behind this important initiative. We’ve seen first-hand how impactful getting menstrual products into our schools has been,” said?Kayla Cook, Founder of Warwick United. “Students at our schools tell us how disruptive menstrual issues can be to their learning. We’ve had students and their parents thank us for this initiative locally and eagerly participate volunteer time to help support the project. We have no doubt this will have a large, positive effect on learning across Pennsylvania based on what we’ve seen here at Warwick.”
“The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement is grateful to see school districts providing free period products to their students,” said?Ruby Mundok, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement.?“Programs like Warwick’s, with support from the $3 million in state funding, will ensure that all students have equal access to products and can focus on academic learning and attendance.?
This is an issue First Lady Shapiro has engaged on directly,?visiting nonprofits(opens in a new tab)?that work to distribute feminine hygiene products in communities, and?inviting stakeholders(opens in a new tab)?to the Governor's Residence. She has also heard directly from young women about the importance of access to these products.??
Read more about the Governor’s budget?here(opens in a new tab).?