At LIFE Male STEAM Academy, we believe every scholar deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their housing circumstances. In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, we are committed to removing barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success for scholars experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Our goal is to ensure that every scholar has the stability, resources, and support necessary to continue learning and thriving.
The McKinney-Vento Act provides educational protections for children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
This may include scholars who are:
Sharing housing with relatives or friends due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar circumstances.
Living in shelters or transitional housing.
Staying in motels or hotels because they lack alternative adequate housing.
Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for regular sleeping accommodations.
Living without a parent or legal guardian and experiencing homelessness.
Families do not need to be living in a shelter to qualify for assistance.
Eligible scholars have the right to:
Immediate Enrollment: Enroll in school without unnecessary delays, even when certain records or documents are unavailable.
School Stability: Remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest, consistent with applicable law.
Transportation Assistance: Receive transportation to and from their school of origin when required under McKinney-Vento.
Equal Educational Opportunities: Participate fully in academic programs, extracurricular activities, and other educational services for which they are eligible.
Access to Support Services: Receive assistance with educational resources, school supplies, meals, and referrals to community support services.
Dispute Resolution: Receive information about their rights and the opportunity to appeal school enrollment or placement decisions.
Our designated McKinney-Vento liaison works with scholars and families to identify educational needs, remove barriers, and connect families with appropriate resources.
If your family is experiencing temporary housing, housing instability, or homelessness, we encourage you to contact our school for confidential assistance.
Mrs. Sharon Jones, Licensed School Social Worker (LMSA)
LIFE Male STEAM Academy
Designated Liaison: Mrs. Sharon Jones
Email: sjones@lifesteam.org
Phone: (412) 745-5433 ext. 2424
School Address: 777 Penn Center Blvd, Suite 102, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)
At LIFE Male STEAM Academy, we are committed to ensuring that housing instability never becomes a barrier to a scholar’s educational opportunities.
Empowering all male scholars for college success and career readiness through innovative STEAM education and holistic development.
Copyright © 2025 LIFE Male STEAM Academy
LIFE Male STEAM Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving young men in grades 6–11, where students engage in a dynamic, future-focused education rooted in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. There is no cost to parents to enroll, as enrollment for Pennsylvania charter school students is covered by taxpayer dollars. Enrollment is now open for the 2026–27 school year, making this the perfect time for families to explore all that LIFE Male STEAM Academy has to offer.