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Support for Homeless Education: Linking Technology Resources to Shelters The SHELTRS Project provides computers, instructional technology, Internet access, and tutors to homeless shelters. This project offers a unique model that can be used across the nation to remove educational barriers faced by children, youth, and families in homeless situations. This site was last updated on January 25, 2001

In an effort to increase the educational achievement of students who are experiencing homelessness, the SHELTRS project provides new technology resources and expands existing technology resources at eight homeless shelters in Austin, Texas. back to top

Because of high mobility, gaps in attendance, and trauma engendered by homelessness, these students may lag two or three years behind their peers. back to top

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By developing computer networks at each shelter, this unique project provides personalized tutoring related to the state-mandated curriculum for over 940 students, and gives the students access to the same information and resources available to their peers who have computers at home. back to top

The established computer networks enable trained tutors to capture Web resources that are directly linked to the state-adopted curriculum. In addition, tutors are able to 1) understand phenomena associated with homelessness so that they can better serve the students, and 2) perform basic troubleshooting operations to avoid lengthy computer down-time. back to top

Tutors communicate frequently with the students' classroom teachers in order to effectively utilize tutoring time. Parents are encouraged to attend tutoring sessions with their children so that they might learn basic computing skills, increase their ability to assist their children with schoolwork, and motivate their children to stay in school. back to top

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