PAPPAS KIDS SCHOOLHOUSE FOUNDATION

With over 20,000 homeless students attending schools in Arizona, Pappas Kids believes it is necessary to provide educational assistance that would increase their overall graduation rate. Homeless students are 40% more likely to not finish their secondary education and on average high school dropouts barely make enough to adequately support themselves, let alone a family. With the overall poverty rates increasing yearly, decreasing rates of school dropouts would help contribute to the solution of this problem.

Pappas Kids is doing what we can to prevent more families from falling under the poverty threshold by providing educational assistance to Arizona's students in need. Statistics show that higher extracurricular activity participation is correlated with a positive social and academic self-worth. It has also been discovered that there is a clear link between participation in extracurricular activities and academic and social benefits, such as decreased anti-social behavior and substance abuse

It is because of these statistics that we provide financial assistance to students in need so that they may have the opportunity to be actively engaged in after school and extracurricular activities. Pappas Kids also assist struggling high school seniors with funding for tutoring helping them overcome an obstacle which may be preventing them from graduation. In 2023, we provided more than 10,300 backpacks with school supplies to students throughout Arizona, these supplies give the children confidence to start the year prepared and ready to learn.

We have observed that students who received assistance through our programs become confident to take more advanced courses and spend more time on homework. They have post-secondary educational aspirations, higher GPA's, more parental involvement, less absenteeism, better college attendance, and higher occupational aspirations.

While every effort is made by schools to create an effective classroom learning experience for the children during the school day, students who live in economically challenged environments require more time to catch up culturally and academically than children who do not face the same challenges. By giving these students the opportunities they deserve and "eliminating the barriers" that childhood homelessness and poverty may create, Pappas hopes to change the course of their lives so they can become fully literate, productive members of our society.

Goal: Increase the number of homeless and at-risk students (grades 3-12) in Arizona (primarily Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties) who successfully complete the current academic year and demonstrate progress toward academic preparation for high school graduation.

Objective: Promote school engagement for homeless/at-risk students (grades 3-12) for the academic year 2017-18 (AY17-18) by providing scholarships for extracurricular activities to enable full participation in sanctioned, organized activity programs.

Outcome: AY17-18 No Barriers Extracurricular Activities Scholarship recipients will demonstrate school engagement by maintaining good grade-level academic standing as measured by school attendance and academic achievement, and reporting a sense of belonging to the school community.

Goal: Increase classroom readiness for homeless and at-risk students in Arizona by providing fully supplied backpacks, uniforms and shoes for students in need.

Objective: To assist homeless and at-risk youth by providing them with the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom.

Outcome: With the assistance provided families will be confident to have their students enrolled and beginning school on time without any delay. Students receiving the assistance will begin the school year with enthusiasm and be well prepared to learn as their school supply needs will have been met.

The Pappas Kids Schoolhouse Foundation was formed in 2005 under its original name, Maricopa County Schoolhouse Foundation. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to assist with the educational needs of low-income, homeless and at-risk youth in Arizona and their families. In 2005, the Thomas J. Pappas Schools for Children of Homeless Families were the recipients of foundation grants and personal donations. These gifts were used to support the many needs of the students enrolled in the Pappas Schools.

In June 2008, the Pappas Schools closed. There was still a tremendous need for our services and our commitment to the children remained strong, so we decided to keep the foundation open. We broadened our scope to serve more children in Arizona who, like our former Pappas students, were in need of our help. Many schools today serve homeless and underprivileged youth. We are proud to work with Title I and Title I eligible schools to provide every student with an opportunity for a positive, safe and quality educational opportunity. We believe education is the way for these students to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The Pappas Kids schoolhouse Foundation is proud to be a part of the solution.

Donors to the PKSF are very loyal and our base funding is reliable which increases our capability of assisting these youths.

During AY 2013-14, 29,763 PK-12th grade students in Arizona public schools were homeless(1). With a reported 51% of Arizona children residing in low-income households, Arizona ranks first for risk of child homelessness(2). Residential instability and the resulting school mobility means changes in peer groups, teachers, and curricula-known factors reducing the likelihood of academic success. Mobility also reduces the likelihood that a student will develop consistent, enduring relationships with supportive adults and mentors. Other risk factors affect their ability to perform in school: poor nutrition, lack of healthcare, unsafe/overcrowded living conditions, poor study conditions, and the stress of families continually challenged for financial survival(3).

The mission of the Pappas Kids Schoolhouse Foundation is “to help low-income, homeless and at-risk youth in Arizona schools succeed and grow in a positive educational environment"(4). PKSF started the No Barriers for Education program in 2005 to provide financial, material and social support to encourage homeless and at-risk youth to stay in school and thrive academically. The program provides scholarships for tutoring and extracurricular programs, laptops, Kindles, school supplies, eyeglasses, and uniforms.

During AY 2015-16, Pappas Kids program “No Barriers" supported 230 students, including 24 extracurricular activity scholarships for students ages 8-17. Research demonstrates that students who participate in extracurricular activities have better educational outcomes, lower dropout rates, learn critical life skills and become more involved citizens(5). These 24 students participated in sports, after-school programs, and science competitions. All completed their school year successfully and maintained at least a 2.5 GPA, our standard for support.

While supporting 24 students in 2015, PKSF received 47 requests for extracurricular scholarships. With funding, 15-20 additional scholarships will be available to qualifying students who meet application requirements and maintain good academic standing. Throughout the year, PKSF staff will provide consistent adult support, with oversight by the PKSF Executive Board.