Governor Rell: Local Schools Awarded Stimulus $$

To Bolster Education for Homeless Students

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that 13 school districts, including the state technical high school system, and two Regional Educational Service Centers will share nearly $340,000 in federal stimulus grants to offer educational and related services to homeless children and youth.

“With school openings just around the corner, these funds will provide much needed and timely help for school districts already operating on the thinnest of margins,” Governor Rell said. “This economy has created extreme hardships for so many families, but there should be no barriers to ensuring their children have access to an education.”

The Governor said schools can use the funds for:

·        programs for pre-school-aged homeless children, before- and after-school programs and tutoring;

·        costs associated with tracking, obtaining, and transferring records of homeless children as well as other services;

·        school supplies for eligible students at shelters and other temporary housing;

·        tutoring, supplemental instruction, transportation costs.

These supports give children the stability to find academic success in the midst of turmoil in their lives.  With these funds, it is estimated that schools can remove barriers and help ensure over 2,000 children and youth statewide experiencing homelessness are successful academically, personally and socially.

The state Department of Education received $336,688 in stimulus funds through the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Grant Program. The agency awarded grants ranging from $12,310 to $25,000. The grants were distributed this month.

For more information on stimulus projects in Connecticut visit www.ct.gov and click the CT Recovery link.