St. Lawrence‑Lewis BOCES has been awarded all three McKinney‑Vento Competitive Grants for the 2025–2028 funding cycle, securing a significant investment to support students experiencing homelessness across our 18‑district consortium. Administered through the New York State Education Department, each grant provides $175,000 per year, resulting in more than $1.5 million over the next three years to strengthen McKinney‑Vento services throughout the region.
“This was an incredibly successful and rewarding grant cycle,” said Brooke Santamont, supervisor of instructional resources for SLL BOCES (Title Services, Mentoring and McKinney‑Vento). “These grants allow us to continue and expand critical supports that remove barriers to learning and help students remain connected, engaged and successful in school.”
This funding cycle places a strong emphasis on closing academic gaps for McKinney‑Vento students. With research and coordination support from Rachel Atkins, supervisor of instructional technologies, SLL BOCES established a partnership with Varsity Tutors, a virtual tutoring platform selected to meet student needs. Through this program, 18 McKinney‑Vento students are now receiving twice‑weekly virtual tutoring, with early feedback showing improved academic skills and strong student‑tutor relationships.
In addition to academic supports, the grants continue to fund essential resources for students and families, including school supplies, hygiene products, undergarments, blankets, kitchen items, food and other necessities. These resources help ease stressors at home and support consistent school attendance and engagement.
Funding also supports key McKinney‑Vento roles across participating districts, including liaisons, mentors, support leaders and District Trauma Sensitivity Team members, with stipends recognizing the important work staff members do to support students and families experiencing housing instability.
The grants further invest in our collective capacity through book studies and professional learning opportunities focused on trauma‑informed practices, confidentiality, transportation challenges and the complex needs of McKinney‑Vento families. Partnerships with local agencies are also built in to strengthen collaboration and expand access to community supports.
“These resources are not just about programs or supplies — they’re about people and stability,” Santamont said. “When educators, schools and community partners work together, we create a network of support that helps students feel safe, valued and ready to learn.”