Homeless Innovative Programs (HIP)

In 2022, the KCSOS Foster & Homeless Education Program applied for and was awarded the Homeless Innovative Programs (HIP) Grant from the California Department of Education to develop innovative practices that can be studied, adapted, and shared statewide, demonstrating the LEA’s implementation of the EHCY Program authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Per CDE, “The purpose of the HIP grant is to identify innovative practices previously implemented and aligned with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Title 42 of the United States Code, Section 11431 et seq.) to improve the educational stability, access, support, and academic achievement of children and youth experiencing homelessness. To be eligible for HIP funding, LEAs must demonstrate that they have previously developed and implemented innovative practice(s) that support students experiencing homelessness, which can be shared statewide.”

KCSOS Foster & Homeless Education Program was awarded the HIP grant for student voice projects. Student voice projects are instrumental in ensuring student engagement and lowering rates of chronic absenteeism & high school dropout rates for McKinney-Vento students. During the 2022-2023 school year, HIP grants are to be expanded upon within the awarded LEAs. In the 2023-2024 school year, awardees are to teach out their best practices at various conferences to other LEAs.

Kern’s HIP grant falls under the following HIP target activities:

• Demonstrating increased educational outcomes in a variety of ways, including academic progress, attendance, student engagement, graduation rates, attendance, and social-emotional well-being;
• Implementing professional development for other educators and stakeholders, within or beyond the LEA as well as within the community