Kentuckiana Times

In recognition of National Foster Care Month, Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN), Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) have reintroduced the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act. The aim of this legislation is to dismantle barriers to higher education for homeless and foster youth, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue further education and receive the necessary support to flourish.

Congresswoman Erin Houchin stated, “Every child in America deserves access to a good education, and that doesn’t have to stop with high school. For students overcoming obstacles like homelessness or foster care, the chance to pursue higher education can be the difference maker in finally breaking the cycle of poverty.” She emphasized her pride in sponsoring this bipartisan act and urged Congress to pass it as homelessness reaches record levels.

Senator Murray echoed these sentiments, stating that “A higher education should be within reach for every student—but the barriers for homeless and foster youth can be especially high." She highlighted that as the homelessness crisis worsens, this legislation will remove barriers and provide more stability for homeless and foster youth.

Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove also expressed her support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in leveling the playing field for homeless and foster youth seeking higher education.

In 2023, there was a 16% increase in families staying in homeless shelters or visibly unsheltered. Nationwide homelessness reached a record level with over 1.2 million students across public schools experiencing homelessness.

The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2024 requires colleges and universities to improve outreach towards homeless and foster youth. It prioritizes these individuals for Federal Work Study opportunities, provides in-state tuition rates for students without stable residency, improves data collection, among other steps. Previous versions of this legislation proposed critical improvements to financial aid for homeless and foster youth, which were enacted into law as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act that Senator Murray co-authored.

The legislation has received endorsements from numerous organizations, including the Alliance for Positive Youth Development, Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services (ACRC), Boys Town, Building Changes, Washington; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Advocacy Institute, and many others.

A one-pager on the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2024 is available HERE. The full text of the legislation is also available HERE.