In 2024, Florida Department of Education reported over 3,000 students in Volusia County as “homeless”. Since 2009, Cudas UnHooked has led the effort to support more than 300 students in need.
OUR MISSION
Providing necessary support to at-risk and homeless students dedicated to becoming educated, independent, and contributing members of society. Cudas UnHooked strengthens youth, empowers futures, and prevents homelessness by providing the stability every young person deserves. We believe these students deserve more than just a safety net. They deserve a launch pad.
WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED
- Over 90% of our seniors have graduated!
- More than 300 students have participated in our CUDA Club
- Over 100 mentors and volunteers have made CUDA's UnHooked possible
- Provide FREE housing to students in need
- Remove barriers that keep students from fully participating in high school milestone experiences (Homecoming, Prom, Grad Bash, Senior Dues, Yearbooks, etc.)
- Provide guidance navigating school, goals, and life decisions
- Provide FREE tutoring, coaching, job search support, and much, much, more
Cudas College
Our homeless and at-risk students face many hardships and obstacles as they navigate through high school with the goal of graduation. Many believe there is no way to attend college given the cost of tuition, books, housing and transportation. Many of these students do not have adults in their lives to provide guidance when it comes to preparing for higher education and to help them fulfill their dreams to attend college.
For this reason, Cudas UnHooked has launched a new program, which we are calling Cudas College to try to make these dreams and aspirations a reality. We are working with Daytona State College to facilitate those qualified students in the Cudas UnHooked Club at the New Smyrna Beach High School to attend the College in one of their many certificate programs. With the goal of helping students learn a skill or trade, these certificate programs last 12-18 months and prepare students for employment. Higher education is an important first step for many of these students to break the cycle of poverty and to help them earn a living wage.