Education plays a crucial role in addressing the complex issue of youth homelessness.

It serves as a bridge that can significantly impact the lives of young people facing homelessness. Education impacts the lives of young people facing homelessness. It includes several aspects, from providing stability to opportunities for future employment.  

EveryYouth understands the requirements of a multifaceted approach that addresses immediate needs and long-term solutions. Education alone can’t solve the problem; however, support systems are essential to helping young people overcome their various challenges.  

Stable Environment

At its core, education can offer a safe and stable place for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. This is crucial for youth experiencing instability and trauma associated with homelessness. Schools, colleges, and universities can provide students with a safe environment and supportive relationships.  

Preventative Tools

Educators can provide young people with preventative tools to break the cycle of youth homelessness. These include developing essential skills and exposure to various career paths. In some cases, family support services that offer counselling and mediation can prevent conflicts from escalating into homelessness. It is important to allow young people to build connections to essential resources and support systems before they reach a crisis.  

Self-Worth and Hope

Finally, education instils a sense of hope and self-worth in young people. It’s a pathway that brings new and different opportunities that help build self-esteem and a positive identity of themselves. 

What does EveryYouth do to support young people in education?

• EveryYouth Employed provides young people with specialist coaches to help them become job-ready. Our objective is to help them take meaningful steps towards long-term employment.   

• The Employability Boost is a central feature of EveryYouth Employed. The bursary scheme helps young people overcome the associated costs of getting into work and education. This could include help with course fees or the bus fare to an interview.  

• Future Builders is designed to provide affordable accommodation to young people participating in education, employment, and training opportunities. It allows young people to take the first step towards their future without worrying about the financial implications, with costs kept to a minimum through gifts-in-kind from businesses and pro bono support from professional firms.  

What more can be done to support young people in education?

Support Services

Young people experiencing homelessness face additional barriers that affect their education and personal development. These barriers include mental health issues, lack of basic necessities and trauma. Addressing these challenges requires tailored support services accessible and feasible for the young person.

Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships, grants, and dedicated support programmes to cover the financial burden of education and higher education allow young people experiencing homelessness to continue in education. By addressing financial barriers, the educational environment can cater more effectively to equip young people experiencing homelessness. You can find out more information about financial support via the UCAS website.

Collaboration

Clearly, the integration of education in helping young people overcome homelessness is essential. Collaboration among support services within the educational system, local councils, and non-profit organisations is important to develop and implement strategies of support for vulnerable young people. Such partnerships can facilitate supportive systems that empower young individuals to achieve academic success and secure employment for a more stable and independent future.