Pause on Federal Funding Freeze Extended

On the 8 day of the new Presidential Administration, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) temporarily froze federal funding for a wide range of social programs nationwide, including child welfare funding, K-12 and post-secondary education programs, health services, child care, and housing and homeless programs. After significant outcry, the freeze was rescinded by OMB the following day. Nonprofit groups including the National Council on Nonprofits and a coalition of 22 states separately sued the federal government to officially pause the funding freeze, an injunction that was delivered in less than a day. This pause was extended by the court on February 6, requiring that previously committed federal funds continue to flow to programs and services. Despite the pause, some health systems and child care centers are still unable to access funds.

The President’s office maintains that the funding freeze on domestic programs was intended only to address services related to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), “woke gender ideology” and the green new deal. These efforts are rapidly being eliminated within federal agencies. Included in the federal agency bans on race and gender issues are groups and policies related to LGBTQ+ equity, disability access, social determinates of health, environmental justice, minority affinity groups, and advancement programs for women. 

While the legality of such a broad-reaching funding freeze is debated, service providers across the country face uncertainty regarding their federal funding. To share information on the status of litigation, Just Security created a Litigation Tracker focused on legal challenges to the Trump Administration Actions. The federal funding freeze information can be found under the Topic of “Government Grants, Loans and Assistance.”

Sacramento State to Offer Guaranteed Admission for Students with Experience in Foster Care or Homelessness 

Sacramento State University is expanding its commitment to students with lived experience in foster care or homelessness through its new Guardian Scholar Promise (GSP) initiative. Announced by University President Luke Wood at a press conference on November 13, this initiative will guarantee undergraduate admission starting in Fall 2025 to students who meet California State University (CSU) eligibility requirements and have either spent time in the foster care system or been identified as an unaccompanied minor in high school under the McKinney-Vento Act. 

Under the GSP initiative, eligible students will not only receive automatic admission but will also be enrolled in the Guardian Scholars Program, which offers vital resources, including academic advising, priority registration and on-campus housing, and assistance with textbooks. For more information, students can contact the Guardian Scholars program at gsp@csus.edu or call 916-278-6680. 

“Taxes 101” Workshop Curriculum Available to Direct Service Programs Working with Foster Youth

John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has developed a “Taxes 101” workshop curriculum for direct service programs. This includes Independent Living Programs, housing and service providers, college campus support programs, and any others assisting current and former foster youth age 18 and over. The curriculum equips young adults with essential knowledge about tax filing, an often overlooked but critical independent living skill.

The need for this resource became evident after the establishment of the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC), first available in 2023. Stakeholders across the state identified a gap in financial literacy, prompting the development of this workshop to ensure foster youth can maximize available tax benefits and confidently navigate the filing process.

Designed as a two-part series, each 1.5-hour session can be delivered in person or virtually. Trainers do not need to be tax experts—each session includes a comprehensive slide deck and an easy-to-follow trainer’s guide. Developed with input from young adults with lived foster care experience, the curriculum also incorporates interactive activities to keep participants engaged.

The curriculum covers tax basics such as the purpose of taxes and potential benefits of filing, understanding tax credits including the FYTC, avoiding tax liabilities, preparing for tax season, how to file, and what to do afterward. To access the “Taxes 101” curriculum, including the slide deck and trainer’s guide, follow this link. For additional JBAY tax filing and FYTC resources, follow this link. 

SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship Now Open for Students Experiencing Homelessness

SchoolHouse Connection, a national nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through education, is now accepting applications for its scholarship program. The program supports youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness, including undocumented students, by providing the resources needed to successfully complete their postsecondary education.

Scholarship recipients receive a $2,500 award, ongoing one-on-one support, monthly stipends of up to $100 throughout college, and opportunities to engage in state and federal policy advocacy. To qualify, applicants must have experienced homelessness within the past six years, been born on or after June 2, 2005, and be entering college for the first time in the 2026-27 academic year. For more details or to apply by the June 2, 2025 deadline, click here.

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