This year, 3.7 million students will graduate from high school, and 2.5 million students will pursue post-secondary education. Although exciting, the celebration that follows college acceptance and graduation is not a privilege afforded to everyone. According to the National Center for Homeless Education, 49 to 86% of students experiencing homelessness graduate high school in 4 years, compared to an 88% graduation rate for all students.
Students experiencing homelessness often lack the resources necessary to build a resume, apply to college, and gain sufficient financial aid. In addition, schools do not prepare students for the academic rigor of college. As of the 2017-18 school year, only 27% of students experiencing homelessness tested proficiently on standardized tests (Education Week). This inequity in education prevents students experiencing homelessness from obtaining a college education.
A college education provides students with the opportunity to overcome the challenges that keep them in a state of homelessness. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to craft a thoughtful resume, gain work experience, and start a career while in college.
A career allows students to maintain job security and earn a living wage. However, private universities have a high cost of attendance (despite having generous financial aid packages), and public universities are less equipped to provide students with housing, advising, and financial support. A lack of support in the education system leads to high dropout rates; a study by the Center for Promise found that students experiencing homelessness were 87% more likely than stably-housed students to drop out of college.
By providing students with the financial resources to continue their education, you invest in students and society. EEqual is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting students experiencing homelessness through its two pillars: Perform and Inform. EEqual has the vision to give every student an “EEqual” opportunity to achieve their full potential in education regardless of economic status through these programs.
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