Summary of Services
- Assists with immediate school enrollment regardless of missing documents or residency
- Advocates for students to remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest
- Coordinates transportation services to support consistent school attendance
- Supports unaccompanied youth and families living in shelters, vehicles, abandoned buildings, or other unstable housing
- Offers referrals to community-based services
Removing Barriers That Hinder Educational Stability
In alignment with the McKinney-Vento Act, which ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to public education and support, the Aid & Support for Students in Sudden Transition (A.S.S.I.S.T.) program removes barriers that hinder educational stability and success for displaced students.
To qualify for services, a youth must be experiencing housing instability such as living outdoors, in a shelter, an abandoned building, or in a car either with a parent or guardian or on their own without parental support.
The program provides hands-on assistance with school enrollment. Also, it advocates for students’ rights within the school system, helping them in their school of origin when appropriate and securing transportation services to promote consistent attendance.
Connecting Students and Families to Essential Support Services
Recognizing that academic success is linked to overall well-being, A.S.S.I.S.T. also connects students and their families to supportive services, including counseling, tutoring, and referrals to other community resources.
Through this extensive support system, A.S.S.I.S.T. empowers students to stay engaged in their education while equipping families with the tools they need to begin a new chapter marked by stability, opportunity, and hope.