Eligibility Information

What does HYC do?
HYC assists with removing barriers for high school students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act. HYC is an education-based program providing basic needs and services to youth in order to help them achieve academic success and graduation.

What is McKinney-Vento?
The McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation signed into effect by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 to help remove educational barriers for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Does HYC help with younger siblings?
Currently, HYC serves youth enrolled in high school.

Is there a cost to the student or schools for HYC services?
There is no cost to the student, student’s family or schools.

When and where does HYC meet with students?
HYC staff will work with school staff and students to schedule appointments with students at the school or virtually, whichever is most appropriate.

How long can a student stay in the HYC program?
The student can stay in the HYC program as long as they are enrolled in a high school. HYC also offers aftercare services for up to one year.

How Can HYC Help?

HYC partners with high schools in Maricopa County and Coconino County to provide basic needs and educational resources to students in transition at no cost.*

HYC assists eligible students with the following:
• Case management
• Housing assistance and referrals
• Educational resources including class fees, elective or club fees, computers, Wi-Fi access, and other educational expenses
• School supplies
• Hygiene products
• Basic clothing
• Employment resources
• Vital documents: birth certificate, I.D. card
• Health insurance enrollment
• Medical co-pays and prescriptions
• Post-graduation assistance with FAFSA, college application fees, etc.

*All resources are provided at no cost to the student, school or district.

If you are interested in
learning more or receiving services,
please contact your high school
McKinney-Vento liaison or a trusted school staff member.

Eligibility assessment is required.

Instagram Just For Students

“Having HYC is almost like having parents all over again. I have a sense of stability and a lot of pain has been taken off my shoulders.”

—Ariana

“HYC was my light at the end of the tunnel during a part of my time in high school that took a unexpected turn for the worst. They gave me hope and support when I wanted to give up. Thanks to HYC I am now a proud high school graduate with the skills to start a new chapter in my life.”

—Dennis

“HYC not only supported me but also encouraged me to do things I never thought were possible. I learned that if you really want something you should fight for it until you have it. HYC is like a family to me. HYC is there when I need someone to talk to, give me direction or need a ride to a doctor’s appointment. I’m grateful HYC has been a part of my journey.”

—Arturo

“Because I lived with a friend and I didn’t share the family’s last name, I couldn’t get anyone to sign any of my paperwork and it was hard to get anything I needed – shots, glasses, medical services – HYC made it so that I could go to the doctor, get my glasses and get things that were so essential but could not get without a parent. That means the world to me!”

—Ashley

“HYC provided me with food, clothing, a bed and basic necessities. That was a relief. I felt like I had a team on my side.”

—Leah

“I never had anyone I could talk to about my feelings. Before HYC I was afraid to open up about how I felt because I didn’t know how people would react. Now, I get to see a counselor through HYC and I love her.”

—Rebecka

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to graduate because things were getting so rough and everything was starting to take a toll on me but a huge load was taken off me with the help of HYC.”

—Diamond