Answer: In terms of federal financial aid, there is no benefit or difference in the application for youth who are homeless with their families as compared to non-homeless youth with their families. Therefore, there would be no reason for those students to have a letter for federal financial aid. However, there may be other kinds of scholarships for which a letter like that could be very helpful. The letter could show the challenges the student has faced, it could explain any periods on the student’s transcript where grades suddenly dropped, etc. It even could be helpful with admissions. So it would be a good practice for counselors or teachers to write letters like that for all their McKinney-Vento students. It is not required.
Since ESSA, LEAs are required to ensure unaccompanied homeless youth are informed of their status as independent students and get assistance from the liaison to get a letter verifying their status for the FAFSA. Should LEAs also provide letters for McKinney-Vento students still living with a parent?
Aug 10, 2018 | Q and A