The Iowa Department of Education has officially opened the latest round of the Iowa Education of Homeless Children and Youth competitive subgrant, offering support to Iowa public school districts with 10 or more students who are experiencing homelessness. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31.
As part of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Improvements Act of 2001, the three-year subgrant allows school districts to expand or increase services to children and youth in need, create greater awareness and sensitivity for school staff on how to identify students who may be homeless and increase opportunities for academic success. School districts can use the subgrant funding to provide activities and services that enable children and youth to enroll, attend and succeed in school.
“Iowa school districts serve as critical hubs for resources, support and understanding for children and youth facing homelessness,” said Tyler Navin, homeless education program consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. “With the Iowa Education of Homeless Children and Youth subgrant, we can assist districts with establishing programs and services that help support students in challenging times and ensure they have opportunities for learning and success.”
The Iowa Education of Homeless Children and Youth subgrant offers funding for a three-year period, starting July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2030, depending on the availability of funding. Since federal funding is limited, subgrants are anticipated to be divided into the following ranges:
- Tier 1: 10-50 students experiencing homelessness – Subgrants may range up to $25,000 for each subgrant year.
- Tier 2: 51 or more students experiencing homelessness – Subgrants may range up to $50,000 for each subgrant year.
Approved activities may include tutoring, supplemental instruction and enriched educational services, evaluations of strengths and needs, professional development for educators and staff, referral services, transportation assistance and more. Subgrants are open to any public school district in Iowa that identified and reported a minimum of 10 students experiencing homelessness on Student Reporting in Iowa (SRI) during the 2025-26 school year. The Iowa Education of Homeless Children and Youth program is 100 percent federally funded.
Eligible public school districts can submit their Iowa Education of Homeless Children and Youth subgrant application in the Consolidated Accountability and Support Application (CASA). Instructions and additional details on the subgrant can be found on the Department’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Resources webpage. Specific questions on this opportunity can be submitted to Tyler Navin at [email protected].