William & Mary School of Education Celebrates Patricia Popp's Lifetime Achievement Award
In November 2024, Patricia Popp Ph.D. ’01 was honored with the Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) in recognition of her unwavering support for students experiencing homelessness. Her efforts as the state coordinator for Project HOPE-Virginia, a role she assumed in 2003, have profoundly impacted the lives of countless children and families across the Commonwealth.
Popp first joined William & Mary’s School of Education as a doctoral student in special education. What began as a graduate assistantship for her in working with Heritage Professor of Education James H. Stronge evolved into a lifetime of advocacy and leadership when Stronge recommended that she take his place as Virginia’s state coordinator for the education of homeless children and youth.
“She was an exceptionally capable graduate student and a tremendous asset to our work. After a couple of years in working with [Popp], it became abundantly clear to me that she should take the lead” said Stronge, who facilitated approval of Popp as his replacement from the Virginia Department of Education before he stepped down.
“She’s taken the program and done extraordinary things. I’m so proud of what she’s accomplished because of the many lives she’s influenced, especially the children, their families, schools, teachers and administrators. Virginia is in a far better place to provide services to children who are experiencing homelessness because of Pat Popp.”
Stronge estimates that over the course of Project HOPE-VA being located at William & Mary, more than $50 million in funding has been administered to bring services and support into Virginia’s schools. Guided by Popp’s vision and leadership, Project HOPE-VA has expanded the understanding and awareness of homelessness in education, emphasizing that it is a problem that exists in urban, suburban and rural parts of Virginia and across the country. Her efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that children experiencing homelessness are identified, enrolled in school, and provided with the stability and support necessary to thrive. Graduation rates for youth experiencing homelessness have steadily increased over the years.
“If we do the right things in schools, these children are successful. It helps break the cycle of poverty and homelessness,” said Popp. Creating a safety net for students through education is central to the mission of Project HOPE. Popp has spearheaded the development of comprehensive training and awareness materials, including a revamped website that provides easy access to resources for educators and families across the state. Training helps ensure that everyone in the school system understands how to recognize the signs of homelessness, such as frequent absences or inconsistent transportation. Once identified, students are enrolled in school and kept in the same school despite their caretaker’s location. Finally, connecting families with their local McKinney-Vento liaison provides access to community resources.
As the chair of the NAECHY scholarship committee for several years, Popp had the opportunity to read essays from students who had experienced homelessness in high school but went on to pursue higher education. Their submissions reinforced her vision of the hope that comes with providing a stable educational environment.
“When I would read those essays, they would talk about how despite everything going on in their lives, they knew school was their safe harbor. They knew that if they did well there, that would open the doors they needed to have a different life,” she said.
Popp’s journey from special education teacher to statewide advocate for youth experiencing homelessness was not always straightforward. A pivotal moment occurred in 2001 as she was completing her doctoral studies and contemplating her next career moves. She attended her niece’s graduation from Saint Rose University in Albany, NY, and the commencement address given by author and social justice advocate Sister Helen Prejean deeply resonated with her.
“I felt like she was talking to me. Because she was asking ‘Where is your fire? Where is your passion? How do you make a difference – the social justice kind of difference -- in the world?’ As I was listening to her, that was when it clicked. I realized I was already doing what I needed to be doing, and this is where I needed to stay,” said Popp.
In her acceptance speech, Popp reflected on the deeply personal values that drive her work: “I’m blessed to have work that is meaningful, that makes a difference in the lives of children and their families. I’m blessed to share this passion with so many people who share the same commitment. Our local folks, boots on the ground, who work with these families and students every day, my state colleagues, my national and federal partners – and when we’re doing all this work together, I truly believe … you can’t beat us!”
