You Can Make a Difference

Unhoused children have always been among the most invisible and neglected individuals in our nation, with their high mobility tied to trauma, behavioral issues, and overwhelming academic troubles.

Homelessness has a devastating impact on children’s educational opportunities:

• Nine times more likely to repeat a grade
• Four times more likely to drop out of school entirely
• Only 67% of students experiencing homelessness graduate from high school

Who We Are:

School on Wheels is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which exists to ensure that children (K-12th grades) experiencing homelessness—whether living in shelters, motels, group foster homes, campgrounds, vehicles, or on the streets—can get the education they need and deserve to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are the ONLY organization providing these services to Southern California’s unhoused children and families.

We work throughout Southern California, though almost 2/3 of our students are located in L.A. County since this is where the need is concentrated.

What We Do:

We partner with homeless shelters, group homes, and school districts throughout Southern California to identify students and families who need our services. Our team of coordinators also provides street outreach to families living in motels, campgrounds, and on the streets.

Provide Tutoring to Unhoused Students

Our most important program mobilizes volunteers to provide focused educational support to children who desperately need it, meeting either online or in person for at least an hour a week to provide a regular environment of reinforcement, positive modeling, and constructive feedback for physical, intellectual, psychological, and social growth.

Supply Essential Learning Materials and Technology

Every student we meet receives a new backpack filled with school supplies. Last year, we distributed over 10,000 backpacks! We also provide Chromebooks, internet connectivity, digital learning resources, and access to an online library.

Offer Programmatic Training and Support

Literacy Program | Academic Program | BUS Program | Social Emotional Learning Program

Scholarship Program: Students can easily apply to our scholarship programs which can be used for college, trade schools, arts/music/sports programs, educational summer programs, apprenticeships or enrichment classes. You can contribute to the fund through our donation page.

“When I first met my School on Wheels tutor, I was more concerned about where my family was going to sleep that night than the D’s and F’s I was getting in school. [My Tutor] Theresa helped me improve my self-confidence and taught me that school was key to being successful and to never stop dreaming!” – Mark, High School Graduate

Skid Row Learning Center:

Located in the neighborhood with the highest concentration of homelessness in the U.S., our center offers a safe and fun learning environment where students experiencing homelessness can access support after school.  It is a small but mighty facility where volunteers can tutor 1-1 or in group settings and is open daily for learning.  The center serves over 250 students annually and is open year round.

“When we moved into the shelter in December, I was scared and overwhelmed by the surroundings of Skid Row. Finding School on Wheels was a blessing for me and my children. They have somewhere safe to go after school, and I have just started a new job and wouldn’t have been able to afford childcare otherwise. They are invested in my kids, and that makes me happy.” – Parent Margurite

How Are We Funded?

Financials

School on Wheels relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations that believe, like we do, that every child deserves the opportunity to have the best education possible.

92% of every dollar donated goes directly to our program.  Every donation, no matter how small, makes a positive difference in the lives of the students we serve.  School on Wheels ensures that students have the tools they need to succeed in school with the support of positive adult role models.  Join us and transform lives.

Please contact Sinead Chilton, schilton@schoolonwheels.org, for more information or to schedule a site visit.