Testimonials describe the impact SPIRIT NYS has on young lives.
Read a Franklin Student’s Letter Here
Did you know that...
10%
of Rochester City School district students experienced homelessness during the 2018-2019 school year
3.5x
are more likely to drop out of school than their housed peer
4.5x
are more likely to experience homelessness as a young adult when lacking a diploma or GED
The Problem
National data reports in 2018 indicate that over 3% of all high school students experienced a form of homelessness or home insecurity.
There is reason to believe this number is higher because students are reluctant to identify themselves as homeless due to fear of being entered into “the system” and being uprooted from their known environment.
COVID-19 has undoubtedly exacerbated this phenomenon.
High School Graduation Rates for New York State by Homeless Status
NYS Non-Homeless
86%
NYS Homeless
64%
Rochester Non-Homeless
64%
Rochester Homeless
40%
Data provided by NYS. Homeless as a percent of the total student population is 4%. According to data provided by NYS, their homeless students drop out at 3x the rate of non-homeless.
The
Approach
During the 2022-2023 school year, SPIRITNYS helped over 40 homeless high school students at Franklin, North East, and Edison Tech in Rochester, NY. Year end results were positive, as students substantially improved their GPA, with 15 seniors graduating in Spring 2023. Additionally, three students received college scholarships, and students reported that SPIRIT NYS motivated them to keep their attendance up.
We are proud of their resilience and determination to remain in school despite their dire living conditions and personal challenges, which were exacerbated by COVID and remote learning. The financial assistance that we provided to these homeless students allowed them to focus on their studies and remain in school. The recognition and motivation provided by our mentors gave them the courage to persevere.
