Education for homeless children and youth

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded $15.9M to the California Department of Education under the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program (CFDA 84.196) on July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This formula grant provides comprehensive support services designed to ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to free, appropriate public education. Key services include identification and enrollment assistance, transportation support, academic interventions, professional development for educators, and coordination with local education agencies (LEAs) to eliminate barriers to school participation and educational continuity.

As the state recipient, the California Department of Education's Fiscal and Administrative Services Division manages and distributes these funds through competitive subgrants to LEAs, school districts, and community organizations throughout California. The state agency is responsible for implementing a comprehensive plan meeting McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requirements, identifying eligible homeless students, coordinating services across districts, and ensuring accountability through record-keeping and audit compliance. Sub-awardees deliver direct services to homeless students while the state maintains oversight and ensures effective utilization of federal resources to support this vulnerable student population across the state's diverse educational landscape.