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

• Students must have experienced homelessness during the 2025 - 26 school year.
• Students must have been identified as experiencing homelessness in the LEA McKinney-Vento Database application or by an advocate/caseworker during the 2025 - 26 school year.
• Students must show proof of acceptance and/or enrollment into a college or university for the 2026 - 27 academic year.

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

• A personal essay consisting of 1,000-1,500 words about the impact of experiencing homelessness on your life and desire to attend college. Each essay will be evaluated based on the following:
  • Demonstrated commitment to education during their experience with homelessness;
  • Academic achievement and accomplishments;
  • Potential impact of receiving the College Starter Kit on the student’s educational career;
  • Statement of goals and career interests; and
  • Grammar and use of language.
• 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
• Proof of acceptance into a college or university (e.g., acceptance letter, class schedule, or housing confirmation letter).

Deadline: Completed packets must be submitted via email to Tasheen Stallings at [email protected] or through the online application link by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026.

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 Strategic Funding for School Quality.