From High School ➡️ Postsecondary: Resources to Support Homeless Students

Postsecondary attainment is increasingly necessary to move out of poverty and homelessness and live a healthy, productive life. One of the most significant barriers to postsecondary attainment is access to financial aid; without financial aid, they cannot transition to and complete their college education, and remain at higher risk of continued homelessness and hardship as adults.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, local educational agency (LEA) homeless liaisons are required to ensure that unaccompanied homeless youth are informed of their status as independent students for college financial aid and obtain assistance to receive verification for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

> Have questions about implementing McKinney-Vento, join our office hours on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 3-4 pm Eastern. 

👩‍🏫 Quick Guide for Counseling Staff Working with Students Experiencing Homelessness

School counselors provide important support to students experiencing homelessness. This quick guide, written by a school counselor, provides practical tips and strategies for supporting students experiencing homelessness, helping meet their basic needs, and planning for graduation.

🎒 Using ARP-HCY to Help with the Transition from High School to Postsecondary

American Rescue Plan — Homeless Children and Youth, or ARP-HCY funds, are flexible one-time funds to support the identification, enrollment, school participation, and FAFSA support to ensure college readiness and transition of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) explains that ARP-HCY funds supplement the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program and that all allowable EHCY uses apply to these funds. This resource includes strategies for using ARP-HCY funding to support students’ transition from high school to postsecondary education. 

🎓 Big Changes are Coming to the 2024-2025 FAFSA 

Earlier this year, ED announced that, in order to fully implement the FAFSA Simplification Act, the 2024-25 FAFSA will be released in December 2023, a delay from the usual date of October 1. ED will release more information about the FAFSA changes, the new FAFSA form, what to do to get ready, and the impact of the delayed release soon. However, we urge our network to be proactive and offer these strategies to get started. 

💻 Join Two Webinars: Creative Housing Solutions & Transition to Higher Ed  

On October 5, 1-2:15PM Eastern, join us to hear from two organizations operating housing programs in New York City and communities throughout Southeast Los Angeles County that serve students experiencing homelessness. Participants will learn more about these programs, strategies to replicate, and have an opportunity to ask questions.

👉Register Here

On October 20, 1-2:15PM Eastern, we’re hosting a webinar to highlight Georgia’s EMBARK program and Kennesaw State University. Participants will learn:

• Strategies for how K12 and higher education partners can support active recruitment of homeless and foster youth, and help ease the transition.
• How K12 systems can support college transition with ARP ESSER and ARP-HCY funds, as well as how to build partnerships, summer bridge programs, and campus support programs.

👉Register Here