Fall River, Boston, Worcester, New Bedford, Springfield among districts receiving funds for homeless students including newcomers

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced that 47 public school districts across Massachusetts are receiving more than $1.7 million in federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education grants, supporting more than 20,000 students who experience homelessness at some point during the school year. These competitive grants provide districts with additional support and resources for family engagement, staff training, English language services, tutoring, school supplies and other needs. The funding is designed to help students experiencing homelessness be successful in school. 

“We’re deeply grateful to the school districts across the state that have been going above and beyond to support students experiencing homelessness and their families, including those who have long lived in Massachusetts and those who have newly arrived in Massachusetts. The dedication and hard work of educators and staff makes all the difference for these students at a very difficult time in their lives,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We also understand the strain facing school districts and the need for more resources. That’s why we’re proud to be delivering these federal funds to help schools support these students. Our administration will continue to advocate for additional federal support to address this federal problem.” 

“Local school districts play an important role in supporting students and families experiencing homelessness – providing children with a high-quality education, free breakfast and lunch, connecting them with community resources, and so much more. We’re glad to see school districts apply for and receive these federal grants, and we will continue to work at the state level to offer support,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

These grants provide funding in three critical areas: 

• Support services and family engagement to address the ongoing needs of homeless students and families and to engage with families to remove barriers for student attendance. 

• Regional homeless education liaisons to support a network of experienced liaisons who provide technical assistance and training in collaboration with the state coordinator for homeless education.  

• Homeless Migrant Student Support to collaborate with the Massachusetts Migrant Education Program, which serves children of migratory agricultural workers.  

“Students experiencing homelessness have the right to the same free public education as every other student in Massachusetts. I am grateful to the federal government for this grant funding that complements the state’s efforts to provide local school districts with resources and supports to help children succeed and thrive, regardless of their immigration or housing status,” said Secretary of Education Patrick A. Tutwiler.

“Massachusetts schools have welcomed a variety of students experiencing homelessness over the past year,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “I’m proud of the way schools have responded and of the fact that so many of them are looking to improve their supports for students and families.”  

The grants will support school districts as they continue to enroll and serve an increased population of students experiencing homelessness, including newcomers. Districts have and will continue to receive this fall reimbursements for transportation for students who elect to remain in their “school of origin,” as well as emergency aid for enrollment to cover the average full per-student cost at $104 per student per day. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also offers a variety of state resources, technical assistance, and professional learning opportunities available at no cost to districts.  

Last month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the City of Boston won more than $20 million in federal funding to support family shelter costs.

The McKinney-Vento grant awards announced today range from $10,000 to $125,000, depending on the grant priorities the applicant applied for and the number of enrolled homeless students. The grant recipients are as follows: