On May 7, 2024, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), and Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN) reintroduced the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act to remove barriers to higher education for homeless and foster youth and help ensure they can pursue a higher education and get the support they need to thrive. CWLA has endorsed this legislation.
The bill requires colleges and universities to take steps to improve outreach to and support for homeless and foster youth, prioritizes homeless and foster youth for Federal Work Study opportunities, provides in-state tuition rates for students who haven’t had stable residency, and improves data collection and reporting to better reach and serve homeless and foster youth—among other steps.