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LEARNING CENTERS are educational spaces within shelters and transitional residences that are equipped with computers, libraries, kid-friendly furniture, and a wide array of educational materials. Learning Centers provide a quiet, structured, and visually appealing location where students can complete homework assignments, study, read books, access educational software, and more. Learning Centers also serve as sites for HCEF-funded and other after-school and summer programs designed to complement the children's school experiences. Since 1999, HCEF has created 12 Learning Centers in homeless agencies throughout Allegheny County, as well as five Resource Rooms in agencies without sufficient space for a Learning Center.
MINI-GRANTS AND FIELD TRIP GRANTS provide homeless housing providers with funds that may be spent on educational programs, projects, materials, and community excursions. These opportunities enable children, youth, and their parents to engage in active learning and explore the cultural and educational resources that exist within our region. An average of 700 children are impacted by HCEF Mini-Grants each year, and an average of 300 children and 200 parents participate in field trips. All donations to HCEF from private donors go directly toward Mini-Grants and Field Trip Grants. Additional field trip funded is matched by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
GEAR FOR GRADES is HCEF’s annual backpack distribution in partnership with Citizens Bank. Local Citizens Bank branches solicit donations of school supplies to fill 2,500 backpacks purchased by the company. This highly successful partnership equips children residing in local homeless provider agencies with the necessary items to attend school.
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUCCESS AFTERSCHOOL & SUMMER PROGRAMS empower students to realize their full potential as learners and citizens through daily on-site programming led by highly qualified teachers and volunteers who work with students on homework, literacy, and creative projects. Students learn critical skills for school success, including study habits and setting personal goals for learning and behavior. Programming is provided on-site for residents of partnering shelters and transitional housing facilities.
YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS engage children and families in a variety of hands-on learning activities that foster their creativity and critical thinking skills. Through partnerships with Pittsburgh’s leading cultural, artistic and educational organizations, we are able to meet the need for quality out-of-school-time learning opportunities for children served by homeless housing agencies in Allegheny County. Classes are led by highly-skilled educators and artists from contracted partners including The Andy Warhol Museum, Lab Ratz Science Club, Saturday Light Brigade Radio, and many others. Over 400 children participate in the enrichment program each year.
HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS are available to young people who have persevered against homelessness and are applying to post-secondary education programs. Awardees can use their scholarship for tuition or other school-related expenses such as books, a computer, transportation, or housing. In the first year of the program (2014), HCEF awarded two $2,500 scholarships to young college-bound students.
See the program factsheets on the individual program pages for contact information.
Providing Hope through Learning: When children become homeless, the uncertainties of their situation and the accompanying emotional stress may mean they do not attend school for days, even weeks. Once back in school – often not the school they had been attending – they may have difficulty adjusting to new teachers, different expectations, and unfamiliar classmates. Children who are homeless can quickly fall behind.
HCEF is committed to advocating for the educational rights of these children and to fostering within them "hope through learning."
We are privileged to have as our partners in this endeavor the dedicated homeless housing agency directors and after-school program staffs and HCEF volunteers. As one director has written to us:
"Jimmy came up to me and handed me an envelope. It was his report card and he had all A's. In the next few minutes a half dozen children shared their report cards with me, and it was all good news. Every one of those who shared were on the Honor Roll. Before he lived at ____ , Jimmy was in more than three schools in one year (more than nine schools in all) because his mother was shelter hopping. As you know all too well, this is the phenomenon that occurs when homeless people do not find permanent housing before their allowable 'time' in the shelter is exhausted. With the stability of a home and people who care, Jimmy is living up to his potential. Did I mention he's in the Gifted Program? We are doing all we can to help our children and their mothers succeed. How grateful we are for generous people like you who make it all possible! Thank you."
"With your continued support, we are able to positively impact the lives of our children."
"HCEF's groundbreaking work in finding ways to enrich the lives of kids homeless in Allegheny County and its advocacy and hard work have empowered many, many youngsters and have given them the tools they need to succeed in life."
(09.03.2014)
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