The Sweetwater Union High School District landed federal funding to provide extra academic support for its homeless students. The district is one of three in San Diego County getting federal help. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Sweetwater will get more than $75,000 to help support its homeless students. The district has about 200 teens who don’t have a place to call home. Despite tough living situations, the young people attend school and have to perform at the same level as other students. Sweetwater spokesman Lilian Leopold says the money will pay for special tutors who will work at four South Bay shelters before and after school.
Leopold: What we wanted to do is bring the help to the shelters. Where we know where those students are going to be. And so they can be there in an area where they feel comfortable. There will be some academic support materials in addition the tutors.
Leopold says homeless students are scattered throughout the district, so some of the teens may not get the extra support. She says these young people often live with friends or out of their cars. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
