The criteria for selection and grant award amounts for LEAs is described in the original grant application. The review panel utilizes a point system to rate the overall proposal based on the categories of overview, need, program design, program administration, and budget. The grant amount is determined by the number of homeless students to be served and substantial justification for the use of the requested funds. Project HOPE collaborates with other federally-funded programs within Virginia, such as Title I, Even Start, and Head Start. In addition, Project HOPE currently works with the Virginia Coalition for the Homeless, the National Coalition for the Homeless, Virginia Interagency Action Council for the Homeless, various professional educational organizations, social agencies, shelters, colleges, universities, and other homeless programs throughout the United States.
Local programs collaborate across school divisions and among an array of social agencies.
Virginia's Homeless Education Program hopes to continue and increase collaborative efforts while striving to raise public awareness regarding the issue of homeless children, youth and families. The program has included tutoring services and transportation for students to foster maximum growth and success. In addition, staff development on homeless issues and agency coordination between the Arlington Schools, area shelter providers, and other county-sponsored programs have been implemented to further meet the needs of children and youth identified as homeless. The Charlottesville Child Advocacy Project has provided school choice when possible through work with parents in the enrollment decision-making process. The program has focused on direct services to homeless children and youth through transportation, tutoring, and providing school supplies comparable to those provided to non-homeless children.