The Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) Homeless Education Program is offering an opportunity for graduating high school students who are experiencing homelessness to receive a College Starter Kit. The kit will include items such as a laptop, school supplies and other essential items to prepare students for success in their first year of college.

Qualifications

1. Students must have experienced homelessness during the 2024-25 school year.
2. Students must have been identified as experiencing homelessness in the LEA McKinney-Vento Database application or by an advocate/caseworker during the 2024-25 school year.
3. Students must show proof of acceptance and/or enrollment into a college or university for the 2025 summer/fall semester.

Instructions: Applicants may apply by submitting an application form here. A complete application includes the following:

1. A completed application form;
2. A personal essay consisting of 1,000-1,500 words about the impact of experiencing homelessness on your life and desire to attend college (see essay evaluation criteria listed below);
3. A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or another adult who can speak to your educational qualifications (e.g., Advanced Placement classes, honor roll selection, academic improvement, standardized tests, academic certificates, or awards) and life experiences; and
4. Proof of acceptance into a college or university (e.g., acceptance letter, class schedule, or housing confirmation letter).

Deadline: Completed packets must be submitted through the OSSE 2024-25 School Year College Starter Kit Online Application by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025. 

For more information or questions, please contact Tasheen Stallings, Homeless Education Program Analyst, at [email protected] or call (202) 478-5927.

Additional Information
For additional information about the homeless education program, return to the Homeless Education Program’s main webpage.

Contact Us
For questions or additional information, please email [email protected] or call (202) 654-6123.

The Homeless Education Program is administered by OSSE’s Office of Special Populations and Programs within the Division of Systems and Supports, K-12.