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Image of new Executive Director Ardana "AJ" Jefferson with text "Welcoming AJ Our New ED!"

HCEF Welcomes New Executive Director, Ardana “AJ” Jefferson

The Board of Directors of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Ardana Jefferson to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. Ms. Jefferson will…
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Leadership Transition with HCEF Logo

Important HCEF Transition News

HCEF’s Executive Director, Carlos T. Carter, has resigned his position with Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) effective November 3rd, 2021. Kaitlyn Nykwest, our Education Director, will serve as the Interim Executive Director during our search.

HTLA awardees with their certificates under the outdoor tent at Phipps.

HTLA: Giving Hope to More Than Just Students

Every year, I get more hope for them, and for our future, from being involved with these amazing young adults. The hardships these youth have had to overcome are daunting, to me downright overwhelming, but they find a way to rise above.

HCEF Call for Justice

HCEF Response to Current Events

Dear Friend, Like many organizations the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is struggling with the recent acts of racism and violence towards the Black community. Racial inequality has troubled this…
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A COVID-19 Update from HCEF

A quick announcement from HCEF regarding our operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak: We are closely monitoring all communications regarding COVID-19 and taking direction from Governor Tom Wolf. We are committed…
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Experiencing Homelessness as a Teen, Jason Flowers is Now Executive Director of a Local Nonprofit

Jason Flowers is the executive director of nonprofit, Omicelo Cares, which creates economic change throughout communities without causing housing displacement. He’s worked within the nonprofit field for 16 years in…
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Addressing Homelessness Begins With Addressing Trauma

Research from the NASP Center indicates that 43% of homeless students repeat a grade, 25% are placed in special education, and 50% are failing academically. This is due to many…
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Tuition Waivers for Youth in Foster Care? The Fostering Independence Through Education Act, HB 1276

More than 25% of foster children become homeless after two to four years of leaving the system, according to Covenant House. Due to their housing instability, it is nearly impossible…
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Why Would a Person Experiencing Homelessness Have a Cell Phone?

It may be a surprising statistic, but 62% of youth experiencing homelessness have cell phones. Some may be quick to wonder, why would a cell phone be prioritized as a…
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2018 Hope Through Learning Award

On July 19, 2018, five recent high school graduates, who are going on to higher education, received HCEF’s Hope Through Learning Award. This $2,500 award for students who have experienced homelessness…
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