Advocacy Network
Join us for a two-part webinar series designed to engage SHC’s Advocacy Network and prepare participants for upcoming advocacy efforts.
At SchoolHouse Connection, we believe the most effective solutions are informed by those closest to the problem. That’s why we engage educators, advocates, youth, and parents with lived experience in our state and federal policy advocacy. We provide the training and tools to engage public officials in various state legislatures and the U.S. Congress, including by setting up and accompanying you in virtual meetings.
Upcoming Advocacy Network Webinars
Advocacy Network: State Policy Priorities and Engagement
Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Time: 2PM Eastern / 1PM Central / 12PM Mountain /11AM Pacific
Join us for the first of a two-part webinar series designed to engage SHC’s Advocacy Network and prepare participants for upcoming advocacy efforts. Attendees will:
- Understand key policies impacting children and youth experiencing homelessness that SHC expects to surface in state legislatures.
- Learn which policies SHC will prioritize in our advocacy efforts.
- Discover ways to engage in these advocacy initiatives.
- Have the opportunity to provide input on emerging issues in their communities to inform SHC’s state advocacy strategies.
- Explore SHC’s latest data profiles to search child and youth homelessness data.
Advocacy Network: Federal Policy Priorities and Engagement
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 3PM Eastern / 2PM Central / 1PM Mountain /12PM Pacific
Join us for the second of a two-part webinar series designed to engage SHC’s Advocacy Network and prepare participants for upcoming advocacy efforts. Attendees will:
- Understand key federal policies impacting children and youth experiencing homelessness that SHC expects to surface in the next Congress.
- Learn which policies SHC will prioritize in our advocacy efforts.
- Discover ways to engage in these advocacy initiatives.
- Have the opportunity to provide input on emerging issues in their communities to inform SHC’s federal advocacy strategies.
- Explore SHC’s latest data profiles to search child and youth homelessness data.
Current State Actions
Empowering Youth Experiencing Homelessness in PA: Access Vital Documents, Basic Needs, & Services in Higher Education
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is considering bills that could make a real difference for youth experiencing homelessness. We must encourage our legislators to pass these bills.
Support SB 463: Ensure FAFSA Access for Unaccompanied Youth and Former Foster Youth in Michigan
SchoolHouse Connection is working with committed advocates across the state to ensure every Michigan student has access to financial aid by requiring FAFSA completion or a waiver for high school graduation. This bill has already passed the Senate and has broad support in the House. Now, we need your help to urge the House Education Committee to schedule a hearing and vote. Join us in supporting SB 463 and help make higher education accessible for all unaccompanied youth and former foster youth in Michigan.
Current Federal Actions
HEASHFY removes barriers and ensures that homeless and foster youth have clear and reliable pathways into and through higher education
On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, bipartisan legislation was reintroduced in the U.S.House of Representatives to help unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness access housing and pursue their dreams of higher education.
On August 15, 2023, the Homeless Children and Youth Act (H.R.5221) was reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11,) Bill Posey (R-FL-08), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02).Most children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness are shut out of homeless assistance because they do not meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) restrictive definition of homelessness.