Education

Youth Connections offers free GED classes for youth (ages 17-21) in care or those that have aged-out of foster care.

Youth under the age of 18 will need a waiver from the last high school enrolled or the Board of Education. Assistance to get a waiver may be done through the youth’s DCS-Family Service Worker or the Metro School Board of Education.

Classes are held on-site Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., with individual tutoring available from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

To learn more about GED post—secondary school options and ACT/SAT information, financial aid information through Pell Grants, SEOG, TSAC, HOPE Scholarship, and Chaffee Funding (Education & Training Vouchers), and Tutors and Remedial education prep (Gateway Testing), contact the GED Coordinator. Click on Contact for more information.

Other Education Resources

GED Course Preparation — Youth Connections offer free GED classes to former and current foster youth from 16-21. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Contact 615-664-1509 for enrollment and openings.

Community Education Centers

• YWCA, 615-269-9922 ext. 245
• Woodbine Community Organization, 615-227-7111, offers GED classes in Nashville and Antioch areas. Cost $5-10/week.

Free GED Practice Test Centers

• Martha O'Bryan Center, 254-1791 x218
• Cohn Adult GED Program, 298-8410

Hi Tech Institute — Provides one-on-one assistance to youth in need of obtaining certification and or associate degrees in the medical and technical fields. Contact Renee Murray at 615-232-3700 or at murray@hightechinstitute.edu.

Department of Children’s Service Interdependent Living Program — Provides post-custody services for youth aging out of foster care. The Department of Children’s Service also provides scholarships through their Chafee funds. Call 615-253-1400.

ACT Preparation — Register for a test, practice, send scores, etc.

College Board — Find information on any college and register or practice for the SAT.

College Confidential — The "college discussion" section is especially helpful because you can enter forums and chat with students who already attend a certain college or others who are also considering the school.

Scholarships

Tennessee Colleges offers college planning tools with scholarship and grant information, school summaries, admission requirements, deadlines, and applications.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid allows you to apply for federal grant money for school.

Federal Student Aid offers student aid for all federal dollars for school.

Fast Web provides over 1.3 million searchable scholarships.

BestBuy Scholarships has description and details on the BestBuy Scholarships.

The The Colin Higgins Foundation is requesting nominations for its annual Youth Courage Awards.

The Presidential Freedom Scholarships promote student service and civic engagement and honor outstanding service to the community. All high school juniors and seniors with 100 hours of public service are eligible for the maximum award of $1,000. See website for deadlines.

McKinney-Vento Act: Education for the Homeless

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Definition of Homeless Under McKinney-Vento

According to the federal McKinney-Vento Act reauthorized in 2002, a family is considered in transition (or homeless) if they:

• Can be defined as an “unaccompanied youth”: a young person who have run away from home, been thrown out of their homes, and/or been abandoned by parents or guardians.
• Live temporarily in a hotel or motel and lack a permanent address due to limited finances
• Live doubled up with friends or relatives due to limited finances
• Have a child who lives with friends or relatives apart from parents due to limited finances
• Live in a homeless, runaway, or domestic violence shelter
• Live in a campground, car, abandoned building, or space not ordinarily used to house human beings

Youth in Transition: Your Rights

You have a right to a free and appropriate public education. Those in transition who fit the federal definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act (1987) have the right to:

• Immediate school enrollment and attendance, even without birth records, school records, immunizations, and/or health physicals
• Remain at their school of origin or a school a parent chooses, to the extent possible
• Transportation to and from school
• Help for prompt resolutions about school placement including special education, bilingual education, gifted, and remedial programs
• Receive free breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year

What Other Support Services Can I Receive?

In addition to school services that are required under your rights, you are also eligible to receive:

• Free school supplies and backpacks
• Emergency clothing and/or school uniforms, when possible
• Free tutorial services at select sites
• Free educational materials and literacy resources
• Transportation assistance (bus passes and gas cards)
• Referrals to community health and social service providers
• Waiver of school related fees, when possible
• Pre-K information and referrals

For more information, please contact the Davidson County Homeless Education Resource Outreach (HERO) program at 615-259-8729.