Homestretch: Homeless Teens & the Struggle to Stay in School

Documentary & Discussion

Thursday, 04 Feb 2016 at 7:00 pm – Great Hall, Memorial Union

The Homestretch, a 2015 PBS Independent Lens documentary, follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and make the crucial transition to independence when the structure of school vanishes. The film follows these kids as they navigate a landscape of couch hopping, emergency shelters, transitional homes, street families, and Chicago public schools on the front lines of the homelessness crisis. While told through a personal perspective, their stories connect with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.

A discussion led by Iowa Homeless Youth Center staff will immediately follow the 90-minute film.

Cosponsored By:
  • Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Student Center) at Collegiate United Methodist Church
  • Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)

Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.

Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.

Lecture Etiquette

  • Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
  • Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
  • Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
  • Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.