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Alaska

McKinney-Vento Support for Alaska School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison in Alaska, you likely handle various responsibilities within your district. With students scattered across the Last Frontier's remote communities and vast wilderness areas, our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while making your complex job more manageable.

Alaska
student at desk

The Challenge in Alaska

Alaska presents a unique and exceptionally challenging landscape for addressing student homelessness, characterized by vast distances, extreme climate, a high cost of living, and a disproportionate impact on Alaska Native populations in remote villages.

3,554 students were identified in the 2022-2023 school year; total enrollment was over 130k; Alaska's identification rate for students experiencing homelessness was at 2.7%.1

Housing

A lack of safe, affordable, and stable housing is a pervasive struggle across Alaska, significantly impacting educational access and stability for homeless students. The state faces an acute housing affordability crisis, with a shortage of low-income housing units.
 
  • Many students experience homelessness by living in doubled-up situations with other families due to economic hardship or loss of housing. In 2022-2023 school year, 65.1% of those identified had this type of accommodation.2
  • In urban areas homelessness is a visible challenge. These cities grapple with housing shortages and high costs, with students residing in emergency shelters or transitional housing, necessitating major community investments.
  • In rural and remote Alaska Native villages, housing challenges are compounded by climate change. Melting permafrost and increased flooding render homes uninhabitable, forcing residents into overcrowded conditions. Many homes lack basic plumbing and sewage, and formal shelter services are virtually nonexistent, making homelessness often "hidden" and identification difficult.

Transportation

Limited and costly transportation options across Alaska contribute significantly to chronic absenteeism and difficulties in school attendance for homeless students. This is a persistent barrier, exacerbated by vast distances, challenging climate, and limited infrastructure.
 
  • In urban centers like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, challenges can include the expense of public transit, navigating routes across cities, and managing long commutes to maintain school stability, particularly for students whose temporary housing is far from their school of origin.
  • In rural and remote areas, including Alaska Native villages, primary obstacles are the severe lack of public transportation options. Residents often rely on unpredictable rides or walk long distances in harsh conditions. The high cost of travel by bush plane or boat to access distant services and schools compounds barriers to consistent school attendance.
 

Did you know?

The national average of children and youth identified as experiencing homelessness is 3% of students enrolled in public education.3 Alaska identified 2.7% during the 2022-2023 school year.

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How McKinney-Vento.org Supports Alaska Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

We help you meet federal regulations with up-to-date checklists, policy templates, and annual audit preparation tailored for Alaska schools.

Enhanced Identification: Your "Army of Awareness"

Custom training materials and awareness campaigns adapted for rural and urban districts help staff recognize housing insecurity early.

Comprehensive Training

Live webinars and on-demand modules-covering trauma-informed practices, transportation logistics, and rural outreach-available year round.

Data Management and Funding Support

Tools to track students, manage eligibility, and access local/federal funding (e.g., Title I, II) help boost resource allocation.

Expert Guidance and Advocacy Support

Subject Matter Experts with many years of McKinney-Vento implementation are ready to provide support on challenging cases, work through situations and help you connect with resources to support your work.
Testimonial

Success with McKinney-Vento.org

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Featured

“ As I changed school districts this last year, I have become more aware of the homelessness in the school systems. I have moved to a district with many newcomers and most have come with out parents or guardians. This information is very helpful. I am going to pay more attention to situations and help when needed. ”

Cynthia J.

Alaska

Why Alaska Districts Choose McKinney-Vento.org

check-mark McKinney-Vento Expertise

McKinney-Vento.org delivers specialized training and compliance tools for identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness under federal education law.

 

check-mark Proven Results Since 2014

Our track record speaks for itself – from small rural districts to large urban systems, we've consistently delivered measurable improvements in homeless student support and educational stability.

 

check-mark The Only Turnkey Solution Available

Stop piecing together incomplete solutions. We provide the industry's only comprehensive, turnkey McKinney-Vento implementation system designed specifically for today's educational environment.

State Coordinator Contact

Adrianne Schwartz, Education of Homeless Children & Youth Program Manager
Phone: (907) 465-8721
 

Citations

1,2,3 Child and Youth Homelessness Data Profiles powered by University of Michigan Poverty Solutions and SHC
  https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/schoolhouseconnection/viz/ChildandYouthHomelessnessDataProfiles/National 

Ready to Better Support Alaska's Homeless Students?

Join the growing number of districts in Alaska already using McKinney-Vento.org to improve outcomes for students experiencing homelessness.

Or sign up for our Free Liaison Portal to access essential resources.

We'll help you find the funding and build internal support to make this program successful in your district.

Book your personalized demo
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