
The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) amended the McKinney-Vento Act to assist youth experiencing homelessness to transition successfully to postsecondary education. 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 FAFSA. Additionally, state McKinney-Vento plans must describe how homeless youth will receive assistance from school counselors to advise, prepare, and improve their readiness for college.
This guide is designed to help LEA homeless liaisons and homeless service providers to 1) gain a basic understanding of some important higher education programs, including those programs that have specific requirements on homelessness; and 2) create and sustain higher education partnerships. Connecting youth and young adults who experience homelessness with the appropriate resources will help pave a smoother transition to and through postsecondary education.
Pathways to Partnership: Higher Education
This guide provides basic information on six important higher education resources, including those programs that have specific requirements on homelessness. Find out what services they provide, their eligibility criteria, and the role of liaisons/service providers in helping students access them.
- Financial Aid
- Student Affairs Professionals
- TRIO Programs
- GEAR UP
- ACT Fee Waiver
- SAT Fee Waiver