Educational Attainment & Homelessness
The number of children living in poverty in Marion County has nearly doubled since 2000, and the number of kids facing homelessness is on the rise. Today it’s estimated over 5,000 students in Marion County are impacted by homelessness.
Kids facing homelessness need access to high quality early learning opportunities so they can enter first grade ready to learn, consistently be promoted to the next grade level, and earn a high school diploma or High School Equivalency‚ which is a critical milestone for future financial stability and self-sufficiency.
An overview of Indiana children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness creates intense challenges and barriers for children and youth, which hinders their ability to find academic, social, and financial success. Children can exhibit various academic or social difficulties that result from the trauma of homelessness, mobility, and the lack of structural consistency and security.
The linked report, published in partnership between Brightlane Learning, formerly School on Wheels, and Indiana Youth Institute with support from Chamberlin Dunn, outlines practical recommendations to identify who is homeless, support those in need, and educate them for future success.
