BURGAW, NC - Pender County Schools is celebrating its recent attainment of a substantial McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance grant totaling $90,000. The grant, a collaborative effort between federal agencies and the school district, is poised to make a meaningful difference in supporting students and families who are displaced from fixed, adequate, and regular housing.
Pender County Schools McKinney-Vento program district liaison Jessica Biel is tasked with combating the unique challenges faced by displaced students and their families. As the author of the grant, she plans on using the funds to bolster a range of initiatives designed to support the McKinney-Vento students' academic progress and overall well-being. This will include funding for transportation services, counseling support, access to extracurricular activities, potential summer excursions, and more.
“We strive to provide educational opportunities for those students that do not have structured housing and run the risk of falling behind. These funds will see that these opportunities come to fruition,” Biel said.
Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing the profound effect it will have on homeless students' lives.
"Receiving the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance grant is a tremendous boost for our school district and the students we serve," Dr. Breedlove said. "This grant acknowledges the unique challenges faced by certain students and underscores our commitment to ensuring their well-being and educational success."
By addressing the immediate needs of homeless students while also focusing on their long-term success, Pender County Schools aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters academic achievement and personal growth.