Unhoused Students Provided Work and College Readiness Assistance at Monarch School
Monarch School, the only public K-12 school in the U.S. serving exclusively unhoused students, was selected as a Prebys Foundation grant recipient, receiving $250,000 for youth success, financial stability and economic opportunity work.
“Last year with Prebys Foundation’s support, we were able to provide assistance to more than 200 students and alumni with life skills such as workforce assistance and opportunities, college readiness and financial literacy,” said Monarch School Project’s president and CEO Afira DeVries. “This year, we are grateful to be selected and will continue helping students with pathways to internships, employment, postsecondary education and other goals that will build a successful future for these individuals.”
Students experiencing homelessness often do not gain life skills or lose them during extended periods of homelessness. Monarch School helps to promote self-sufficiency through programs such as work-readiness, financial literacy, internships, college and career coaching and professional mentorship. These programs allow students to develop essential skills, discover their own strengths and interests, and set goals for their future.
“Our communities are better thanks to the work of Monarch School Project,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation. “This is why we are proud to invest $250,000 to their work advancing our shared vision for a vibrant and thriving region. We encourage others to support, learn more, and celebrate their work.”
This grant funds programs including:
- Pathway to Employment: All high school students participate in classes covering goal setting, resume writing, interviewing skills and financial literacy. Monarch offers career fairs and job site visits in partnership with employers and education institutions.
- Internships: High school seniors gain critical life skills and job readiness training by working as interns at local businesses.
- College Readiness: Students receive support navigating their last two years of high school and exploring postsecondary education or vocational training opportunities through assistance with college applications, scholarship essays and financial aid.
- Academic Intervention: Students have access to supportive interventions such as daily one-on-one online tutoring and Saturday School, ensuring students stay on track to complete the academic year, apply for college or trade school and/or future employment.
- Alumni Program: Monarch alumni receive assistance for college enrollment, financial aid, financial advising, bank account workshops, goal-setting plans, emergency support and more from alumni program staff.
For more information about Monarch School’s programs, volunteer opportunities and impact on San Diego’s unhoused community, visit monarchschools.org.
Category: Business, Donations, Education, Homeless, Housing, Local News, Nonprofit, Students
