Funds available for educating homeless students

Grants to address the education of homeless youth are now available through the Department of Education. An estimated 4,973 South Dakota children were homeless at some time in 1999.

Local education agencies may apply for the federal funds, known as McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants. Applicants must direct the use of their funds to facilitating the enrollment, attendance and success of homeless youth in schools. Services may be provided through programs on school grounds or at other facilities. As much as possible, services should be provided through existing mechanisms that integrate homeless with non-homeless individuals.

Estimated funds available are $130,000. The minimum award will be $10,000. (Future funding is subject to continuance of federal funds.) Funds will be distributed to school districts on a competitive basis. Applications must be postmarked no later than Aug. 1, 2004. The grant period is Aug. 1, 2004-June 30, 2005.

View full information and an online application, or contact Beth Schiltz, Office of Educational Services and Support, at (605) 773-4716. beth.schiltz@state.sd.us