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December 13, 2017
Presented by the New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students (NYS-TEACHS)
College Access for
Students in Temporary
Housing
About Us
NYS-TEACHS
Funded by the State Education Department; housed at Advocates for Children
Provides technical assistance on homeless education issues
Hotline: (800) 388-2014
Website: www.nysteachs.org
Webinars, Annual Workshops, and on-site trainings
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 2
A student cannot be
identified as homeless
under McKinney-Vento if
they are staying at a
private residence.
What do we already know?
True or False?
A.True
B.False
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 3
Any youth living apart
from his/her parents is
considered to be
homeless under the
McKinney-Vento Act.
What do we already know?
True or False?
A.True
B.False
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 4
Which of the following is
FALSE regarding college
readiness and financial
aid under MV as
reauthorized by ESSA?
What do we already know?A. Youth experiencing
homelessness must be
provided with assistance and
advice from counselors to
improve their college
readiness.
B. STH School-Based Liaisons
must ensure that homeless
unaccompanied youth are
informed of their
independent status for the
FAFSA and that they receive
verification of this from the
liaison.
C. Students who are homeless
and not on track to graduate
in time forfeit their right to
financial aid.NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 5
Key Takeaways
Students who lack housing that is fixed, regular, and adequate are covered by the
McKinney-Vento Act, which promotes school stability.
Homeless unaccompanied youth are students who are experiencing homelessness
according to the McKinney-Vento definition (lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing)
and who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
Districts must help students in temporary housing prepare and apply for college.
McKinney-Vento Liaisons must notify homeless unaccompanied youth of their eligibility for
independent student status for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 6
Roadmap
1
• McKinney-Vento Background and Definitions
2
• Homeless Unaccompanied Youth
3
• College Access Provisions in McKinney-Vento
4
• FAFSA: Independent vs. Dependent
5
• TAP: Independent vs. Dependent
6
• Resources and Q&A
7NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014
Did You Know?
Last year, 35,275 high school students were
identified as homeless at schools in New York State.
Source: SIRS data, unduplicated, 2016-17
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 8
The McKinney-Vento Act
Federal law
Enacted in 1987
Reauthorized in 2015
as part of ESSA
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 9
School Stability
Academic
Success
School Access
Immediate
Enrollment
Free Meals
Title I Services
Transportation to
School of Origin
McKinney-Vento Act
NY State Education Law 3209
Commissioner’s Regulation 100.2(x)
McKinney-Vento Services
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 10
Immediate Enrollment
Title I Services
Free Meals
Transport to School of
Origin
Who is covered by the McKinney-Vento Act?
Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate
nighttime residence, including those:
Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a
similar reason
Living in emergency or transitional shelters
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to the lack of
alternative adequate accommodations
Abandoned in hospitals
Living a in public or private place not designed for sleeping
Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train
stations, etc.
Migratory living in circumstances described above
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 11*Awaiting foster care removed from definition as of 12/10/16.
Who is covered?
Fixed(attached to the
ground)
Adequate(heat, lights,
kids not sleeping on couch/floor,
etc)
Regular(Can go there every night? Keys? Come
and go as they please?
etc.)
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 12
Permanent
Housing
What is the definition of a Homeless
Unaccompanied Youth?
Student who is homeless or McKinney-Vento-eligible: Student who lacks a fixed, regular,
and adequate nighttime residence.
Homeless Unaccompanied Youth: Student who meets McKinney-Vento criteria (fits into
definition above) AND is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 13
Homeless
Unaccompanied
Youth
James cannot be
considered a homeless
unaccompanied youth if
his mother says that he
can return home.
PollTrue or False?
A.True
B.False
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 14
Did You Know?
In 2014-15, there were 11,506 homeless
unaccompanied youth identified by
districts across New York State.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 15
Who are Homeless
Unaccompanied Youth?
• Infographic from recent report from Chapin Hall and Voices of Youth Count, Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America
• 1 in 10 young adults, 18-25, experience homelessness in a given year.
• 73% experienced an episode lasting longer than one month, 42% experienced more than one episode, and 52% felt unsafe.
• Rates were statistically identical between rural and urban communities, at 9.2% and 9.6% respectively.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 16
Spotlight on Unaccompanied Immigrant
Youth
Unaccompanied immigrant youth (also often referred to as unaccompanied minors in the
immigration context) are protected under McKinney-Vento if they don’t have stable
housing (i.e. housing that is fixed, regular, and adequate).
Undocumented youth are not eligible for federal financial aid for college, but eligible non-
citizens may receive federal financial aid.
Resources on immigration status and higher education are listed at end of presentation in
Resources section.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 17
Case Study:
James
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 18
James is a junior in high school and has a rocky
relationship with his mother.
James’ mother often makes him take care of his
younger siblings, which causes James to miss
school occasionally. James thinks this is unfair and
has had many fights with his mother about his
caretaking responsibilities.
After a particularly bad fight, James goes to stay
with his aunt.
1. Should James be considered eligible under
McKinney-Vento?
2. How does the length of time James plans to
stay with his aunt impact your MV eligibility
determination?
3. If James went to say with his girlfriend instead of
a relative would that impact your MV eligibility
determination?
College Readiness in the McKinney-Vento Act
Districts must assist with credit accrual and recovery by ensuring that students get credit for full or partial coursework satisfactorily completed while attending a prior school. U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(F)(ii); U.S. Department of Education McKinney-Vento Non-Regulatory Guidance (“McKinney-Vento Guidance”), O-2
Districts must provide youth who are homeless with assistance from counselors to advise youth and improve their readiness for college. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(K); McKinney-Vento Guidance, Section Q
All high school students experiencing homelessness should receive information and individualized counseling regarding college selection, the application process, financial aid, and on-campus supports. McKinney-Vento Guidance, Question Q-1
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) Research Summary, published December 10, 2017.
McKinney-Vento Guidance available at:
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/160240ehcyguidance072716.pdf 19
College Access
Checklist
• Download from materials
pod
• Includes information about:
• Identification and college
prep
• College applications
• Financial aid
• Supporting students in
college
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 20
AP test$93 ea
+
General SAT test $45+
per
+
ACT$42.50+ per
+
SATsubject test$26/basic fee + $20
and up per exam +
College application*
$41 average ea
=
*The College Board recommends that students apply to between 5 and 8 colleges.
This slide is courtesy of the National Center for Homeless Education
How much does it cost to apply for college?
Total
range
$250-$1000
21
Waivers for Testing Fees & College Applications
Students who are homeless can get fee waivers because they are eligible for free school meals. (Fee waivers are also available based on other criteria.)
SAT: Fee waivers cover registration fees for up to two SATs and up to two SAT subject tests. If student uses this program, college application
fees may also be waived up to four times.
http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-fee-waivers
ACT: Fee waiver covers one registration fee. http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/
FeeWaiver.pdf
Advanced Placement (AP): No limit on waivers per student. http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/waivers/guidelines/ap
College Application fees: Fee waivers for up to four Request for Waiverforms available if student qualifies for SAT fee waiver.
http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/fee-
waivers College application fee waivers also available through the
National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC):
http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/feewaiver/Pages/default.aspx
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014
22
Applying for Federal Financial Aid with the FAFSA
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 23
Image from Financial Aid Toolkit for Counselors
o To be eligible for federal aid, a student must:
o Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
o Have a valid Social Security Number
o Register with the Selective Service if the student is a male between 18-25
o Maintain satisfactory academic progress
o Have a high school diploma/equivalent or home-school
o Demonstrate financial need (for most programs)
o The FAFSA is the form students and families complete to apply for federal student aid
Do I have to provide
my parents’
information on the
FAFSA?
• Youth who meet the definition
of “independent student” can
complete the FAFSA without parental income information or
signature.
24
From
StudentAid.gov
FAFSA: Homeless Unaccompanied Youth
qualify as Independent Students
Student must be determined to be
unaccompanied and homeless after July 1 of
the year prior to FAFSA application (e.g. After
July 1, 2016 for the 2017-18 FAFSA).
FAFSA’s Application and Verification Guide
describes guidelines in detail.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 25
FAFSA: Unaccompanied and At-Risk of
Homelessness
Youth who are unaccompanied, at risk of
homelessness, and self-supporting are also
considered independent students.
Unaccompanied: not in the physical custody of a parent
or legal guardian
At risk of homelessness (e.g., a student who is being
evicted and hasn’t found another permanent place to
live), and
Self-supporting
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 26
FAFSA: Verifying Independent Status
Who can verify?
1. McKinney-Vento Liaisons
2. Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) shelter director (for youth who have
received RHY shelter services)
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shelter director (for
youth who have received HUD shelter services)
4. Financial Aid Administrator (for youth who can’t get verification from any of the
above)
Independent Student Status must be verified in the year in which student
applies for aid.
See also NAEHCY tip sheet: Who can Make a Determination of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Status?
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 27
FAFSA: Subsequent Year Determinations
McKinney-Vento Liaisons have the option to make subsequent year
determinations for homeless unaccompanied youth if they have
access to the information necessary to make such a determination.
McKinney-Vento Guidance, Question Q-2,
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/160240ehcyguidance072716.pdf
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 28
New for the 2018-19 FAFSA
2018-19 FAFSA was released on October 1, 2017
Previously, the FAFSA defined “youth” as someone age 21 and
under. This created barriers for unaccompanied homeless youth
who were 22 and 23 year old. There is no longer a definition of
“youth” on the FAFSA.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 29
Independent Student Status Verification is
a Liaison Responsibility
McKinney-Vento Liaisons must
inform homeless
unaccompanied youth of their
status as independent students
for college financial aid on the
FAFSA, and must give them
verification of their
independent student status.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 30
FAFSA: Sample
Verification Letter
Verification Letter template created by SchoolHouse
Connection
Available here:
https://www.schoolhouseconnect
ion.org/learn/higher-education/
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 31
Role of the college Financial Aid
Administrator
According to the Application and Verification Guide:
if a student cannot get verification from a Local Liaison, RHYA provider, or HUD provider, a financial aid administrator must make a determination of homeless/unaccompanied status
Determining Eligibility tool for financial aid administrators developed by NAEHCY and the NCHE.
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 32
From 2017-2018 Online FAFSA
The online FAFSA
includes four
questions regarding
homeless
unaccompanied
youth, including for
youth who have no
status determination
yet
Encourage homeless
unaccompanied
youth to complete
the FAFSA online
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 33
Who can verify James’
homeless
unaccompanied youth
status for the FAFSA?
FAFSA VerificationA. McKinney-Vento Liaison
B. RHY or HUD Shelter
Director
C. A financial aid
administrator
D. A and C
E. All of the above
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 34
NY State: TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
NY’s largest grant program
Helps eligible NY residents attending in-state postsecondary schools pay for tuition
Based on applicant’s/family’s NYS taxable income
Awards up to $5,165 and do not need to be paid back
Eligibility:
US citizen or eligible noncitizen
NYS resident for 12 consecutive months before term for which assistance sought for NYS school
Have graduated from high school in the US, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the State Education Department
Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits/semester
Must have completed FAFSA and listed NYS school
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 35
TAP: Applying
File a FAFSA and list a NYS school
After submitting FAFSA, student can file TAP by clicking on NYS resident link and
completing TAP on web application
After completion, student will receive a confirmation email within 10 days
If student does not fill out TAP form then, must wait 3-4 days for HESC (Higher
Education Services Corporation) to receive/process FAFSA. After that, student will get email directing them to link for TAP.
Apply for TAP website link
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 36
TAP and Independent Student Status
In order for a student under 22 to apply as an Independent Student, she/he must meet basic conditions + 1 special condition.
Special Condition relevant to homeless unaccompanied youth: student must show that there has been an involuntary dissolution of student’s family resulting in relinquishment of parents’ responsibility
Sworn and signed statement from a person other than student or parents (social worker, clergy, STH
liaison, RHY shelter staff) relating to family circumstances
Statement must include specific reasons for relinquishment of parental responsibility/control
(abandonment by parents, abuse, parents are non-citizens/residents)
Writer should state relationship to student and how s/he has direct knowledge of family circumstances
Student must also meet these Basic Conditions: has not resided and will not reside with parents for more
than six weeks; and has not and will not receive financial assistance or support valued in excess of $750
from parents; and has not and will not be claimed as a dependent by either parent for purposes of
either federal or state income tax.
TAP FAQs website link
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 37
TAP, Independent Student Status, and
Homeless Unaccompanied Youth
Dependent student max award: $5,165
Independent max award: $3,025
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 38
Case Study:
James, Part 2
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 39
You determine that James is McKinney-Vento
eligible. You make sure that he is getting free
transportation and free meals.
James tells you that he is interested in possibly
going to college, but he’s not sure where to begin
or whether he can afford it. He’s worried his
mother won’t support his decision to pursue
college.
1. What is your school/district required to do to
help James apply for college?
2. What kind of information would you share with
James?
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Scholarships:
Fastweb!: www.fastweb.com
College Board: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
Up Next Texting Platform
Text “COLLEGE” to 44044
Program will send reminders via text about applying for financial aid, choosing a college, and
signing up for exams
Standard text fees may apply
More information about college financial aid:
“Applying 101”: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying
“Financial Aid 101”: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 40
Resources for Immigrant Students
Financial Aid
Q&A from studentaid.ed.gov on federal financial aid for non-citizens:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/non-us-citizens.
In-State Tuition
In-State Tuition Requirements at SUNY Schools: http://www.suny.edu/smarttrack/residency/
In-State Tuition Requirements at CUNY Schools:
http://www2.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/university-tuition-fee-
manual/iv-residency/
CUNY FAQ for undocumented students:
http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/sa/specialprograms/CunyDREAMERS/FAQ.ht
ml
Continued on next slide
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 41
Resources for Immigrant Students
Resources for undocumented students:
New York Immigration Coalition Q& A - http://www.thenyic.org/node/3491
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) - includes Scholarship
Resources - http://www.maldef.org/
New York State Youth Leadership Council – Road to College clinics and Scholarship -
https://www.nysylc.org/college-info/
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014 42
Resources for Families Experiencing
Homelessness
HomeBase (Homelessness Prevention):
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dhs/html/atrisk/homebase.shtml
Family Shelter (DHS): http://www.nyc.gov/html/dhs/html/homeless/famserv.shtml#go
Domestic Violence Shelter (HRA):
800-621-HOPE (4673)
Runaway Youth Shelters (DYCD):
800-246-4646
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens
http://informationforfamilies.org/Theres_No_Place_Like_Home/Home.html
Hunger Hotline (toll-free): 866-888-8777
Call 311
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-2014
43
Free brochures are available in English and in Spanish
Free posters in 10 languages
Toll-free hotline 800-388-2014
Website, www.nysteachs.org
Resources from NYS-TEACHS
NYS-TEACHS - (800) 388-201444
