Fourteen school districts or charter schools in Delaware receive grants to support students who are experiencing homelessness.
The primary objective of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act grants is to eliminate any obstacles to education for students who are experiencing homelessness.
These grants aim to support the education of students who are experiencing homelessness, indicating that they do not have a stable, appropriate, and consistent nighttime residence. Their purpose is to aid in their enrollment, attendance, and academic achievement.
According to Ruth Uhey, who serves as the educational associate for out of school programs and students experiencing homelessness in the Dept. of Education, Delaware public schools had the opportunity to receive grants aimed at providing temporary, special, and supplementary services to cater for the needs of homeless students.
Uhey explained that the program serves various purposes, such as offering tutoring, supplying school materials, and helping students overcome enrollment barriers like obtaining their records, including birth certificates, immunizations, health records, and school records. Additionally, the program provides referral services for students seeking medical, dental, mental, or other health services, which may even include the provision of eyeglasses if required.
Uhey has identified 16 different ways in which the given resources can be utilized, including staff training, temporary housing, provision of food and clothing, and transportation.
During the school year, there is no specific number of homeless students that they work with.
According to Uhey, districts and charters have to furnish certain details while submitting their application.
During the application process, the LEA identifies the count of students who are currently experiencing homelessness. In addition to that, they also highlight the unique education needs of homeless students in their school service area. These needs include barriers to enrollment, attendance, school success, and more. The LEA also assesses their ability to meet these needs and provide the necessary support to these students.
During the last posted year federally, which was the 21-22 school year, a total of 3,434 students in Delaware were reported to be experiencing homelessness.
The individuals who have received the grant are:
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- Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School ($30,000)
- Appoquinimink School District ($30,000)
- Brandywine School District ($30,000)
- Caesar Rodney School District ($30,000)
- Cape Henlopen School District ($20,872)
- Capital School District ($30,000)
- Christina School District ($30,000)
- Indian River School District ($30,000)
- Milford School District ($15,000)
- New Castle County Vocational Technical ($26,000)
- Seaford School District ($30,000)
- Smyrna School District ($30,000)
- Sussex Montessori Charter School ($30,000)
- Woodbridge School District ($30,000)
