The state's Board of Education have announced a campaigned by the Department of Education that would focus on the education rights of all students, regardless of their housing status.

No Matter What guarantees support for students who may be experiencing homelessness, so they can continue with their schooling.

"All Connecticut students have a right to access our public schools no matter what housing challenges they or their family may be facing," said Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker.

The education commissioner says every school district in Connecticut will have a liaison dedicated to assisting students who are in unsafe or unstable living situations.

"The federal McKinney-Vento Act offers important protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability and this campaign helps us ensure these resources reach the children and youth who need them. Schools provide a welcoming and stable learning environment for students so that they can learn, grow and reach their full potential," said Russell-Tucker.

Any information shared by students experiencing homelessness or housing instability will remain confidential. School staff are not permitted to disclose the information to anyone other than the liaison, school administrators and/or school staff as needed.

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that students can:

• Go to school, no matter where they are currently staying or how long they have lived there.
• Choose to attend their current school or enroll immediately in the local school where they are staying.
• Attend classes and participate fully in all school activities, even if records and documents normally required for enrollment are missing, for example, a birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunization/medical records.
• Access the same programs and services that are available to all students, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
• Receive school meals at no cost.

For more information on the No Matter What program, click here.