Pictured: State Senator Marty Flynn with the Student Ambassador Program participants in the Senate Chamber, Harrisburg. Photo is attributable to Jimmie Brown, PA Senate Democratic Caucus. Media use permitted.Pictured: State Senator Marty Flynn with the Student Ambassador Program participants in the Senate Chamber, Harrisburg. Photo is attributable to Jimmie Brown, PA Senate Democratic Caucus. Media use permitted.
SCRANTON, PA − April 13, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn announced the completion of the 2025–2026 Student Ambassador Program following final presentations held on April 9, where students introduced original policy proposals developed over the course of the program.
Four student groups presented legislation addressing a range of issues, including maternal health protections, school nutrition, access to full-time school nurses, and support for Child Advocacy Centers.
At the conclusion of the presentations, Senator Flynn selected the Child Victim Recovery Fund Act to move forward. The proposal was presented by Grace Bennett (Abington Heights), Edward Bonin (Dunmore), Connor Cawley (Pittston Area), Kinsey Harris (Wilkes-Barre Area), and Ava Roberto (Scranton).
The legislation presented would establish a dedicated funding stream for Child Advocacy Centers across Pennsylvania, including a proposed $14.5 million annual budget line. It also calls for restitution fees directed from offenders to help support services provided to child victims.
Students involved in the proposal connected with Child Advocacy Centers to better understand the challenges they face, including the lack of consistent, statewide funding.
Additional proposals developed through the program, including the BUMP Act (Banked Use for Maternity Protection Act), gluten-free lunch options in Pennsylvania public schools, and the Pennsylvania Full-Time School Nurse Act, will be introduced by members of the House, including Representative Bridget Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), Representative Jim Haddock (118th Legislative District), and Representative Kyle Donahue (113th Legislative District).
“The work these students put in goes well beyond a final presentation,” said Senator Flynn. “Since October, they have spent months developing these ideas, learning how the legislative process works, and even getting an inside look at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. What stood out to me is how focused they were on advocating for others. Each proposal was grounded in real issues and aimed at improving people’s lives. This was a sharp group, and it was a privilege to work with them through this program.”
The Student Ambassador Program provides high school students from across the 22nd Senatorial District with the opportunity to learn about state government, engage with policy issues, and develop their own legislative proposals.