HARRISBURG, PA — In a strong bipartisan move, the Pennsylvania House on Monday advanced legislation designed to engage students in reflecting on their personal ties to the state and the nation. House Bill 354, known as the “What’s Your Pennsylvania Story” Act, now awaits the signature of Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Authored by Reps. Jared Solomon, D-Philadelphia, and Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland, the measure seeks to encourage students to explore and share their family histories and connections to Pennsylvania as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
The bill directs the state Department of Education to create instructional materials and guidelines that schools can integrate into social studies curricula. While participation would be optional for school districts, the goal is to inspire students to consider how their unique backgrounds contribute to the state’s larger narrative.
“House Bill 354 would essentially ask our young people to consider how they would answer the question ‘What Is Your Pennsylvania Story?'” Solomon said. “The legislation would require the Department of Education to establish guidelines and develop materials which teachers may use to encourage students to share their personal experiences and connections to both Pennsylvania and the United States.”
Gleim emphasized the importance of this initiative in helping students see their role in shaping the future. “Our legislation would provide an excellent opportunity to plant seeds for the future as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” she said. “Inspiring our young people to research their past and realize the important role they will play in shaping the years ahead is a great way to grow and enrich both our state and our country.”
The bill passed with overwhelming support, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening civic identity and historical awareness among Pennsylvania’s youth. Supporters see it as a meaningful step to deepen students’ appreciation of their roots while preparing them to be more engaged citizens.
With the measure now headed to Gov. Shapiro’s desk, Pennsylvania is poised to give students a platform to tell their stories—connecting personal history to the broader American journey at a pivotal moment in the nation’s timeline.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.