Education for homeless children and youth

The Department of Education Iowa received a $773,815 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) for the period of July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports comprehensive services designed to ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to free, appropriate public education. The state will utilize these funds to identify, enroll, and support homeless students while minimizing educational disruption through services including transportation assistance, academic support, and professional development for educators.

As the state educational agency, the Department of Education Iowa will sub-award portions of this grant competitively to local education agencies (LEAs) and community organizations based on demonstrated need and application quality. These sub-awardees will deliver direct services to homeless students, including coordination efforts to remove barriers to school participation and ensure educational continuity. The funding supports the state's implementation of its McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act compliance plan and broader educational equity objectives for vulnerable student populations.