DPI to distribute $10 million to support students experiencing homelessness

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will allocate more than $10 million in federal grant funds to aid school districts in identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness.

 

The funds are part of $800 million released from the U.S. Department of Education in the American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeless Children and Youth Program. There were 17,179 students experiencing homelessness in Wisconsin during the 2019-20 school year.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic had an immeasurable impact on our most vulnerable students and unfortunately increased the severity of the obstacles they face,” State Superintendent Jill Underly said. “I applaud the efforts schools are making across Wisconsin to identify students in need and to support them with essential resources and services. The additional federal dollars our state is receiving will help to ensure students experiencing homelessness receive an equitable education.”

 

Wisconsin is eligible to leverage up to 25% of the funding for state-determined uses. The remainder of the funding will be allocated to school districts through competitive grants and formula subgrants.

 

The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program provides homeless students with access to an education and transportation. EHCY is also crucial in identifying students experiencing homelessness and performing outreach in the community. Each district in Wisconsin has a homeless liaison, who provides resources and support to students experiencing homelessness.

 

For further information on the DPI’s continuous efforts to support students experiencing homelessness, visit the agency’s website. For a list of homeless liaisons in your community, visit this webpage.