Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, August 6, 2009

Fayette County Public Schools has received another three-year federal grant through the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance program. The $75,000 grant will enable the district to help homeless children and youth in enrolling, attending and succeeding in school, said Michelle Beverly, associate director for Student Support.

“We’ll be able to use the funds to support tutoring, supplement instruction and other types of educational services,” she said.

Beverly’s office collaborates with Family Resource Center coordinators and schools’ social workers to identify students in need. District staff, including the Title I office, also work with community agencies such as The Salvation Army to reach the students who qualify for aid.

FCPS can use the money to help not only the truly homeless kids but also students temporarily displaced and living in shelters, including those affected by domestic violence or drug abuse.

The grant funds academic enrichment opportunities for these disadvantaged students, including after-school programs and summer camps. It also covers school supplies and referrals for medical and dental health services, among other things.

“We don’t want a student’s situation or circumstances to be a barrier to their success,” Beverly said.