Katherine Clark Introduces Act For Homeless And Foster Students

WALTHAM, MA — Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House Katherine Clark and U.S. Senator Patty Murray introduced the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act on Wednesday, a bipartisan bill that would ask colleges and universities to improve outreach to and resources for homeless and foster students.

The legislation, co-led by Senator Rob Portman and Congressman Don Young, would remove barriers for many young people who are experiencing instability in their everyday lives.

“Every day, young people experiencing homelessness and in foster care face unbelievable barriers while trying to do their homework, attend classes, and improve their futures,” said Clark in a statement. “For the homeless and foster youth who find education as a pathway to stability and success, we cannot allow policies and paperwork to get in their way.”

"Our bill is a simple, common sense way Congress can help students who face unique and significant challenges with accessing information and financial aid to attend college and continue building a better life,” she continued.

The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act asks colleges and universities to work with the federal government to improve outreach to and resources for students experiencing homelessness and students in foster care, including helping students access housing options between terms, and designating liaisons to help provide services for these vulnerable students.

The bill also requires the U.S. Department of Education to publish more transparent data on the number of students experiencing homelessness and students in foster care that are served, and ensure its grant programs identify, recruit, and prepare these students for college. In addition, it provides in-state tuition rates for students who haven’t had stable residency.

For more information on the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2022, click here.