Homeless Higher Education - Administrators

Overview

Unaccompanied homeless youth face the same struggles as other young people: trying to do well in school, “fit in,” and figure out their futures. Without adult guidance and support, however, they will face these struggles while also working to provide for themselves. Many hope to attend college but wonder how they will pay tuition without help from parents; who will sign paperwork on their behalf; how they will juggle work hours and schoolwork; and where they will live during the school year or stay when dormitories close during breaks.

Institutions of higher education, in collaboration with public schools and community agencies, play a critical role in supporting unaccompanied homeless youth in their post-secondary endeavors, as a college education may enable these students to break the cycle of poverty and move toward a brighter future. The resources below will help your institution comply with the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 and support the McKinney-Vento Act’s intent of verifying unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) as independent students for purposes of financial aid and assisting them in their post-secondary endeavors.

Resources on Your Campus

• Higher Education Contact List for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (SPOC List) – This list provides contact information for the designated McKinney-Vento Single Points Of Contact (SPOCs) at public and private colleges in Colorado. SPOCs are safe and supportive college administrators in the financial aid, student services, or admissions offices who are trained to help unaccompanied homeless youth to successfully navigate the college-going process.
• College Preparation and Support Programs - Federal TRIO Programs
• ACT and SAT Test Fee Waiver information:
  • ACT Test
  • SAT Test
• Resources For Unaccompanied Youth Experiencing Homelessness At My College – a sample form to list all the resources and contacts on your campus that can assist your unaccompanied homeless students.

National and Colorado Higher Education Contacts for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

CDE State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)

NCHE is the U.S. Department of Education's technical assistance and information center in the area of homeless education.

• Homeless Education Hotline
  • 800-308-2145 (toll free) or
  • homeless@serve.org

National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP)

NLCHP is a group of lawyers working to prevent and end homelessness by serving as the legal arm of the nationwide movement to end homelessness.