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What is
SPIRIT NYS?

SPIRIT NYS is a dropout prevention group – helping homeless high school teens who are on their own. These teens are trying to survive without the benefit of a continuous supportive relationship with a parent or legal guardian. Their living conditions may vary from living on the streets, in vehicles, couch surfing, or living in a temporary home with adults who have extended a helping hand.

Home-insecure teens face huge barriers that impede their ability to finish school. SPIRIT NYS’ purpose is to provide financial support, mentoring, and advocacy for those students. Overall, SPIRIT NYS supports homeless teens to graduate and encourages them in post-graduate endeavors such as vocational training or college enrollment.

SPIRIT NYS students commit to academic and personal goals, including improving attendance and grades, consistent and responsive communication with their SPIRIT NYS mentors and others.

SPIRIT NYS is NOT a crisis center – our focus is to offer regular support over an extended time to facilitate graduation for homeless teens. For immediate needs, we direct teens to agencies that provide crisis intervention (i.e., emergency shelter, food, medical care, etc.)

Students who meet the goals they set, follow the program guidelines, and advance toward graduating continue to receive financial and mentoring support.

Our Mission

To support the education of homeless and home-insecure teens by removing the barriers to success with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Who we serve...

SPIRIT NYS serves students who meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled in a high school, aged 14 to 22

  • Homeless as defined by McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

  • Unaccompanied through no choice of their own; not in the consistent physical custody of a parent or long-term legal guardian; or without a stable home

Our Approach

SPIRIT NYS believes that it is possible for every student to succeed in middle and high school. We help make that possibility a reality by removing barriers and providing necessary support. Our efforts fall into three categories:

Bi-Monthly Stipend

Financial stress is the most common reason homeless teens drop out of school. For this reason, the twice-a-month stipend is at the heart of our efforts. The stipend can be used largely at the student’s discretion if the student is meeting certain requirements which include:

  1. Improved attendance (tailored to each student’s school)
  2. Achieving passing grades
  3. Citizenship maintenance or improvement

For some students, the funds may help with groceries providing necessities for self and family; for others, it may be their first chance to practice independent financial management.

One-On-One Guidance

SPIRIT NYS program coordinators mentor and advocate for students through regularly scheduled meetings and emergency meetings as needed. Coordinators help students cope with circumstances outside their control and address obstacles within their control.

In addition, SPIRIT NYS helps our students define their goals for after high school graduation and provide guidance with the college application process, or pursuing further vocational training, as needed to accomplish their goals. High school graduation is a major accomplishment, but for many it is merely the beginning.

Basic Needs Items

SPIRIT NYS connects students with other community organizations and acts as a liaison for services such as:

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Hygiene items
  • Other household goods

We have volunteers who donate backpacks and school supplies to our students before school starts.

Want to get involved or learn more? 

Email us at [email protected], or

Contact us

Constellation Community Champion