More Resources  Education for Homeless Children,  and Youth Program

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today joined Maricopa County School Superintendent Dr. Sandra Dowling for a tour of the Phoenix Pappas Regional Elementary School to meet with students and learn more about the school's mission.

"When we say we want to make sure no child is left behind, we mean it literally. Every child, regardless of race or income -- or if they're homeless -- must receive a quality education," Secretary Paige said.

"And the committed staff and leadership of Phoenix Pappas Regional Elementary School make sure that children who are facing challenging circumstances receive the education they need and deserve. I applaud Dr. Dowling and her team for their efforts to help these children achieve."

Phoenix Pappas Regional Elementary School caters to the needs of students and families in transitional and temporary housing, creating a "home" atmosphere where children feel safe, secure and successful in their learning environment.

Each year, more than 800,000 children and youth in the United States experience homelessness.

The purpose of the U.S. Department of Education's Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program is to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. For more information about the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, visit http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SASA/hmlsprogresp.html