Sachita Ghosh

Homeless Student Support in Greater Seattle

Being a Mike Yarrow Peace Fellow is offering me an opportunity to work on an issue that I am really passionate about in a structured manner. I am developing leadership skills in the process, being part of this program provides guidance and a method to address the social issue in an effective way.
Sachita Ghosh
HIgh School Student

Sachita Ghosh attends high school in Redmond, Washington. 

One issue I am passionate about is the unique challenges students experiencing homelessness face.

1) Within this year, my goal would be to design, and implement a program that would provide educational mentoring for students currently experiencing homelessness. I would also aim to consolidate information surrounding existing programs and facilities already provided by King County, local cities, school districts, and non-profit organizations, and provide students the information in an accessible manner. My initial target would be to help out students within Lake Washington School District and Seattle Public Schools.

2) Within King County, around 5-6,000 students or youth experience homelessness every year, with over 3,000 students living in the greater Seattle area. As a high schooler myself, I am aware of the increased academic rigor that comes with entering high school. For many, succeeding in high school can be a challenge even with access to stable homes, families, and technological resources such as laptops. For students without these resources, their chances of academic success are heavily diminished. This not only affects their ability to receive a high school diploma, but will also greatly reduce their ability to improve their living situation in the future.

3) To begin implementing a program, I would first reach out to local high schools and middle schools within the Lake Washington School District and Seattle Public Schools area in order to gauge the scope and distribution of the problem. Then, I would strive to create and host tutoring sessions within local libraries or community centers in the most affected areas. I would aim to bring in like-minded youth to help host these sessions, as well as provide a method in which people can donate to fund the technological needs of these students. Lastly, I would create easily accessible content providing a consolidated description of existing programs and facilities within the area that would be of use to these students as well.