WHAT IS "GPS" Graduates Preparing for Success?

Transitional Youth under the McKinney-Vento Act

What is the McKiney Vento Act?

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (Section 725) is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason. Students who are homeless are not required to provide proof of residency before enrolling.
Important guidelines for identifying children and youth who are homeless include, but are not limited to:
- Doubled up with other persons due to loss of housing, hardship or similar reason
- Living in motels, outdoor/public spaces, substandard housing or similar settings
- Living in shelters (emergency or transitional) or transitional housing programs
- Migratory children who are living in any of the above circumstances

	College Application: Students identified as McKinney Vento qualify to receive up to four (4) Request for Waiver of College Application Fee forms!
	Financial Aid: McKinney Vento students are automatically eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as independent students, meaning they do not have to provide parental income information or a signature.
	SAT/ACT Testing: MV students may request the College Board’s SAT fee waiver and a free ACT fee waiver.
	Education Training Voucher: A federal benefit that provides funding for current and former foster youth attending post-secondary school. Eligible students can access up to $5,000.00 per school year. This funding can also be accessed by eligible students who are taking dual credit courses in high school!

What tools or resources are available for career exploration?
CareerOneStop
- Resources for career exploration, training, and jobs
Texas Reality Check
- Texas Reality Check will show you how much your living expenses will cost, and the amount of money you will need to earn to pay for them.
The Princeton Review "Career Quiz"*
- Learn about careers, locate resources and gain advice from industry professionals.
Texas Hot Jobs
- Hot Jobs is a resource for students wanting to enter health professions.
What information is needed to complete a financial aid application?

Citizens & Residents - If you are completing the FAFSA as a McKinney-Vento qualified student, please use this checklist to make sure you have all the information you need.

DACA & Undocumented - If you are completing the TASFA as a McKinney-Vento qualified student, please use this checklist to make sure you have all the information you need.
What steps do I need to complete for College and Career planning assistance?
- Complete your SRQ
- Complete a college application and
- Complete Financial Aid application
- Decided on whats next (college, career, military or workforce)
- Talk to an advisor about next steps
- Upload Homeless Verification Letter to college portal

Ms. Jermani Justice, MEd.
College and Career Readiness Advisor, GPS Lead contact
713-556-7237 Ext. 217319
EMAIL