News and Updates
Young People Explain Four Higher Education Bills
On Wednesday, May 11, SchoolHouse Connection, John Burton Advocates for Youth, and the Youth Law Center, organized a Congressional briefing in collaboration with the Offices of Representative Danny Davis and Senator Bob Casey. Senator Patty Murray was an honorary co-host. Young people with lived experience in the foster care system and with homelessness explained four higher education bills that would have a significant and positive impact on the lives and futures of young people. These young leaders also discussed the need for reform of the Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program and in the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for federal financial aid.
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I’m Grateful For All of It
Name: Aseret Hesse State: IndianaUniversity: Indiana UniversityMajor: Psychology, minoring in criminal justice and sociology Graduation Date: May 7, 2022 Donate to the Youth Leadership & Scholarship...
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The SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship Changed My Life
"When I received the SchoolHouse Connection scholarship, I was living in a shelter and wondering where life would take me after graduation. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to afford it. I had just recently met with the shelter manager about my release date because I would soon turn 18 and not be eligible to stay. My future was up in the air..."
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I Advocate to Recognize Youth Whose Stories Go Untold
"Ultimately, I advocate to recognize youth whose stories go untold. I advocate to highlight the fact that all homeless and foster youth are capable of reaching their goals and overcoming the immovable obstacles. I advocate in hopes that future generations of disadvantaged communities have even more opportunities than I did."
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SHC 2022 Scholars Announced
It is our pleasure to announce SchoolHouse Connection’s 2022 scholar class: Narcizo, OR, Melody, GA, Daniela, TX, Jessica, MO, Juan, CA, Maya, HI, Alan, NC, Briley, GA, Lilly, MO, Conrad, LA, Dariel, FL.
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I experienced homelessness. Lawmakers, help young Floridians like me find independence
This story originally appeared on the Miami Herald. Roxana Rodriguez-Monzon is a student at Florida International University studying public policy and service, a legislative aid with SchoolHouse Connection and a student temporary employee with non-profit Miami Homes for All.
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Why Florida’s Legislators Should Vote for HB 1577 / SB 1708 — Rebecca’s Testimony
SHC is working with Florida’s Children First, Florida Youth SHINE, and many other young people, educators, and advocates on two bills to help unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness get driver licenses and car insurance, persist in postsecondary education, and access medical care. Read SHC Scholar Rebecca’s testimony about how educators helped her, and how bills before the state legislature could make a difference for other youth experiencing homelessness in Florida.
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SHC 2021 Scholars Announced
It is our pleasure to announce SchoolHouse Connection’s 2021 scholar class: Storm, AL Precious, CA Chandler, WA Jordan, AK Jahnee, FL Hannah, OR Eric, TX Lexi, OR Cire’, OH Samantha, FL At...
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The American Rescue Plan: Building the Bridge to Education and Beyond for Students Experiencing Homelessness
"I can remember being a young teen, living with my mother and six siblings and being locked out of the house until the early hours of the morning on multiple occasions. Abuse was prevalent in my home and trying to navigate school with honors and AP Courses throughout this experience was next to impossible. Eventually, the abuse became so bad that I had no choice but to flee."
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Celebrating Our 2021 Graduates
We recognize SchoolHouse Connection scholars who are breaking the cycle of homelessness by earning their high school and college degrees. We are inspired by their resilience and determination in navigating their final semesters, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. We could not be more proud of them, and of all our SchoolHouse Connection scholars. We are honored to support them to and through college, and into the workforce, and we thank them for allowing us to share their words.
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