California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recently convened a Homeless Education Summit in Downey, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, to bring together educators, elected officials, advocates, and experts from various fields to address student homelessness.  

“The Homeless Summit provided a platform for sharing research, best practices, and innovative ideas to reduce homelessness,” said Dr. Jennifer Kottke, Homeless Education Project Director, who helped organized the event with the California Department of Education. “Attendees can learn from one another's experiences and strategies, leading to more informed decision-making and policy development.”

In California, during the 2021-22 school year, public schools counted more than 171,000 students as homeless. Unhoused students face numerous challenges, including unstable living conditions, hunger, and a lack of access to basic resources. These challenges often result in chronic absenteeism, poor academic performance, and emotional distress. 

The Summit's goal was to foster collaboration and generate actionable ideas that could be turned into legislation to reduce student homelessness. By bringing together liaisons, service providers, and other key partners, the Summit sought to harness the collective wisdom and experience of those on the front lines of this issue.

The event included a panelist discussion from homeless advocates who shared their experiences and insights on the complex factors contributing to student homelessness. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions, discussing solutions that could be implemented at the local and state levels. 

The event took place on November 9 and included remarks from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, and Jevon Wilkes, Executive Director of the California Coalition for Youth.