Education for homeless children and youth

The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) received a $2.09M formula grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program (CFDA 84.196). The award, effective July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, supports comprehensive services designed to ensure homeless children and youth in Alabama have equal access to free, appropriate public education. The program provides funding for services including student identification and enrollment assistance, transportation support, academic interventions, professional development for educators, and coordination with local educational agencies to remove barriers to school participation.

ALSDE administers the grant as the state educational agency, with sub-award distribution to local educational agencies and community organizations throughout Alabama, including the Central Alabama Aging Consortium. The formula grant funding supports the implementation of Alabama's comprehensive plan to address educational disruption and provide continuity of services for students experiencing homelessness across the state. These services align with requirements under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and enable schools and community partners to deliver targeted support that minimizes educational disruption for this vulnerable student population.