Wisconsin Student Receives Scholarship for Homeless Students

In Wisconsin Public schools, we are committed to making sure every child in Wisconsin has the supports, opportunities, and skills they need to thrive in our communities. Students who are unhoused have unique circumstances that we continue to address through federal funding, community partnerships, and human connection. 

Every school district and charter school must designate an appropriate staff person as the homeless liaison. Homeless liaisons must be able to carry out the duties as required under the McKinney-Vento Act. The homeless liaison is the key to ensuring homeless children and youth receive the services they need and is the primary contact between homeless families, school and LEA staff, shelter workers, and other service providers. Below is a list of the staff member assigned to perform these duties for each local educational agency in Wisconsin. Find your district homeless liason here.

During this Homelessness Awareness month, we wanted to spotlight a program that has helped a formerly unhoused student reach their dreams of college education and beyond. 

SchoolHouse Connection
SchoolHouse Connection is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness through education. One of the ways that they do this is by annually awarding a scholarship to a current or formerly homeless student to help them reach their academic and life goals. In one of their recent newsletters, the organization spotlighted one of their scholarship recipients from right here in Wisconsin. This student, according to SchoolHouse Connection "embodies the spirit of perseverance and demonstrates how education can change lives."

Name: Ava

City & State: Balsam Lake, Wisconsin

What this scholarship/accomplishment means: Receiving this scholarship has presented me with so many opportunities. Not only has it helped me pay for college expenses, but it has also connected me with so many amazing people who have shared similar experiences. Having these new friendships and bonds with leaders has been so beneficial to me, and has helped me feel not so alone as well as strengthened my support system. I’m so grateful for SchoolHouse connection, and their wonderful, caring staff ❤️. Graduating high school and being valedictorian of my class is a huge milestone and accomplishment. I set goals and achieved them, and this has been my first step in reaching my future goals which I am so passionate about. I’m so grateful for all that I have learned along the way, and so eager for the next chapter of my life: college, new friendships, and growing overall as a person in all aspects.

Next steps: I plan to study social work at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. After getting this degree I hope to attend law school.

Source: SchoolHouse Connection

We hope that more formerly unhoused Wisconsin public school students can benefit from this scholarship program, and the first step is by making sure students, staff, and parents know about it. 

Find out more about SchoolHouse's Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
Application Open January 1 - June 2nd for 2025

Our program provides $2500, three all expense paid trips, and most importantly intensive assistance to help students get to and through higher education and into the workforce. Our program follows students all the way through graduation (including graduate school if applicable) and one year into the workforce. Ten scholars are selected each year by a national review committee. My best insider tips for applicants is to ensure that all documents are uploaded properly and list the required information and that they clearly answer all essay prompts. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Eligibility

• You are currently residing in the United States. Note: undocumented applicants are eligible.
• You were born on or after June 2, 2005
• You will be starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses). This applies to high school juniors, high school seniors planning to take a gap year, or students receiving a GED and planning to begin college for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year.
• You experienced homelessness in the last six years

Thanks and appreciation go to all of our district homeless liasons and all educators and school staff who work hard every year to help each and every homeless student. Your work makes a big difference for our kids and our communities, and we are proud of you!