Removing Barriers to Learning: Transportation and Nutrition Support for Student Success

This project seeks funding to provide essential transportation assistance and daily food/snack support for students attending ME LaZerte High School, our school is serving a high proportion of youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Many students face significant barriers in accessing consistent transportation and nutritious meals, impacting attendance, engagement, and academic success. This grant will directly support bus passes and expand the school’s snack and food programs, ensuring every student has the means to attend and fully participate in their education.

The “Removing Barriers to Learning” initiative will directly benefit students attending ME LaZerte High School, a high school that serves a large population of youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Many of our students face daily challenges outside of school that make success inside the classroom much harder to achieve. Limited access to affordable transportation and nutritious food means that some students struggle simply to arrive at school on time or to stay focused throughout the day.

Primary Beneficiaries:
The main beneficiaries of this project will be students who experience financial hardship, particularly those who rely on public transportation and cannot consistently afford bus passes. These students often face difficult decisions—choosing between basic needs and school attendance. By providing free or subsidized bus passes, this program will ensure that every student who wants to learn can get to school safely and reliably.

Students who regularly arrive at school hungry or without access to snacks during the day will also benefit. Many rely on school-based food programs for their primary source of daily nutrition. Expanding access to healthy snacks and emergency meals will help these students maintain energy, focus, and a sense of belonging throughout the school day.

Indirect Beneficiaries:
The project will also positively impact teachers, school staff, and the broader school community. When students’ basic needs are met, teachers see improved attendance, engagement, and academic performance. Staff spend less time addressing hunger-related issues or arranging transportation support and more time supporting learning and personal growth. Families benefit as well, knowing their children have reliable access to transportation and food support at school.

Community Impact:
In the longer term, the benefits extend beyond individual students. Consistent school attendance and improved learning outcomes contribute to higher graduation rates, greater post-secondary participation, and stronger future employment prospects. These outcomes support the overall health and economic stability of our community.

By removing the daily barriers of hunger and transportation insecurity, this initiative ensures that all students—regardless of their financial situation—have equitable access to education, opportunities, and hope for a brighter future.