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Students that have experienced homelessness throughout their time in k-12 education have persevered through obstacles that often make it challenging for them to succeed academically. However, there are outstanding students that have persevered through those challenges with the support of federal programs like McKinney-Vento that allows these students to remain at their current school if they experience homelessness. In addition to federal programs like McKinney-Vento, these students have been inspired and motivated by particular teachers throughout their k-12 education to continue their education and go on to college despite their hardships. Here at POPScholar Inc., we are looking to find 10 students that meet the criterion, equating to a total of $15,000. Hence, the goals of the POPScholar Awards are to:

● Honor and reward high school seniors that have experienced homelessness throughout their time in k-12 education that intends to pursue a career in teaching.

● Focus public attention on good news and results of students supported by the McKinney-Vento Program.

● Focus public attention on the impact of great teachers and their influence on students to pursue careers in teaching.

● Spotlighting how persevering through obstacles can pay off.

● Encouraging high school seniors to pursue a field in teaching

● Create a pipeline of aspiring seniors pursuing the teaching profession from high school, to college, to a career in teaching

● Encourage corporate and foundation partners in assisting POPScholar, Inc. in rewarding high school seniors that have experienced homelessness to pursue a career in teaching.

Due to the fact that students that experience homelessness often do not get the opportunity to visit college campuses.  If students are exposed to particular environments, they will then develop the self efficacy that they too can attend college regardless of their circumstances. There was a time when I was experiencing homelessness, and my brother, Evan Guyton, who was a student at Virginia State University (VSU), would take me to the campus of VSU to experience student/campus life. Because of those experiences, I believed that it was attainable, for the mere fact that I stepped foot on that campus and witnessed others that was a reflection of me.  Fast forward 23 years later, I have earned my bachelors, masters and doctoral degree from VSU. Coincidence? Therefore, the goals of POP College Campus Tours are to: 

Supportive Environment: Tours can help create a welcoming and supportive environment for these students. Meeting staff, faculty, and current students can foster a sense of belonging and show that the institution is committed to inclusivity and support for students that have experienced homelessness throughout K-12.

Fostering Aspirations: By allowing students to experience the campus atmosphere, tours can inspire hope and ambition. Seeing the facilities, classrooms, and student life can help students visualize themselves as part of the college community, ultimately building their self-efficacy which is necessary to be successful in college.

Building Relationships: Tours can facilitate connections between prospective students and campus staff or mentors who can provide ongoing support and guidance. Establishing these relationships early can enhance the likelihood of students that experience homelessness applying to a college or university.

Reducing Anxiety: For students who may feel intimidated by the idea of attending college, campus tours can help alleviate anxiety by familiarizing them with the campus layout, culture, and expectations, making the transition to college life less daunting. Students that experience homelessness often have anxiety when relocating to new environments.  Giving students this opportunity could potentially reduce anxiety when it is time to attend college in a new environment. 

Encouraging Engagement: Providing tours can encourage students to engage with the college community, participate in events, and access services that can help them succeed academically and socially. This will provide a sense of community, which is something students that experience homelessness are not used to, belonging.  

High school students that experience homelessness face significant gaps and challenges when it comes to accessing resources and opportunities that can help them succeed. To address these gaps, schools, community organizations, and policymakers need to collaborate to provide comprehensive support systems for homeless high school students. The POP Summit will help bridge the gap between these students and the available resources that will assist them in finding their purpose.  The POP Summit will be held in the beginning of the school year at a neighboring college or university in Central Virginia. During the POP Summit, students will attend workshops that may motivate and inspire them to continue to persevere despite their circumstances.  By providing such resources, we can create more opportunities for high school students that have experienced homelessness to thrive academically, secure their futures, and break the cycle of homelessness.  Therefore, the goals of the POP Summit are to:  

Empowerment and Advocacy: To empower high school students experiencing homelessness by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to advocate for themselves and their futures.

Education and Awareness: To raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless youth and educate participants about available resources, support systems, and pathways to post-secondary education.

Community Building: To create a supportive community among participants, fostering connections that can lead to these students having access to resources to further their education, find employment and strengthen their mental health. 

Increased Access to Resources: To connect students with essential resources, including educational opportunities, social services, the military, and mental health support.

Skill Development: To equip students with practical skills and knowledge that can enhance their personal and academic development, preparing them for life after high school.