Student Advocacy Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. IS A NEW YORK STATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION SERVING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES, NEW YORK. THE AGENCY PROVIDES COUNSEL AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION ON EDUCATION MATTERS FOR STUDENTS WHO FACE BARRIERS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS DUE TO DISABILITIES AND OTHER CHALLENGES. THE AGENCY ADVOCATES FOR STUDENTS TO OBTAIN THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES THAT THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO RECEIVE IN SCHOOL.
- Income
- $1.3 million
- Spending
- $1.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 72%
- Reserves
- 14.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 69%
- Employees
- 15
- Volunteers
- 83
- Highest pay
- $156,781, executive di
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 14.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 11% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 13% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1572% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 13 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2520 of 20 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (5)
- $494,684 spent. PROGRAM WIDE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: STUDENT ADVOCACY,INC. PROVIDED COUNSEL AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR 463 UNDUPLICATED YOUTH AGES 3 TO 21 WITH DISABILITIES IN WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES NEW YORK AND ADDRESSED 497 MATTERS, BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2024 AND DECEMBER 31, 2024. AMONG THE 332 CLOSED MATTERS, STUDENT ADVOCACY SUCCESSFULLY ADVOCATED FOR IMPROVED EDUCATION SERVICES IN 92% OF THE MATTERS INCLUDING PARENTS EDUCATED TO BECOME EFFECTIVE ADVOCATES FOR THEIR CHILDREN. 83% OF CLIENTS RECEIVING SERVICES FROM STUDENT ADVOCACY ATTENDED SCHOOLS IN DISTRICTS WHERE 50% OR MORE OF THE STUDENT POPULATION IS IDENTIFIED AS ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED. STUDENT ADVOCACY IS SUCCESSFULLY REACHING ITS TARGET AUDIENCE - LOWER INCOME FAMILIES WHO WITHOUT OUR GUIDANCE AND REPRESENTATION WOULD BE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE EDUCATION SERVICES TO WHICH THEIR CHILDREN ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL. 79% OF CLIENTS SEEK OUR LEGAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED MATTERS. 45% OF STUDENTS SERVED ARE YOUTH IN GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 6 INDICATING THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS REACHING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES EARLY IN THEIR ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WHEN INTERVENTION CAN HAVE THE GREATEST AND LONGEST LASTING IMPACT. 97% OF FAMILIES RECEIVED SERVICES AT NO COST. 52 VOLUNTEERS DONATED 156 HOURS SERVING ON THE OVERCOMING THE ODDS SELECTION COMMITTEE TO CHOOSE THE STUDENT HONOREES FOR THE 2024 OTO AWARDS RECOGNITION CEREMONY. BASED ON THE 2024 INDEPENDENT SECTOR REPORT, THE HOURLY VALUE IS 38.48, FOR A TOTAL OF DONATED SERVICES OF 6002.88. THE OVERCOMING THE ODDS MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING IN SCHOOL DUE TO DISABILITIES AND OTHER CHALLENGES. THE ORGANIZATION'S EDUCATION ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES WORK WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE RECEIVING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL. THE IIK CONTRACTS TARGET STUDENTS IN ELEVEN COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHERE 50% OR MORE OF THE STUDENT POPULATION IS IDENTIFIED AS ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 117 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED COUNSEL AND REPRESENTATION AS PART OF THE OTO MIDDLE SCHOOL/OTO HIGH SCHOOL WCYB 11K CONTRACTS; 91% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES; 83% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES WITH THE REMAINING 17% RECEIVING CONSULTATIONS; OF THE 79 CLOSED MATTERS DURING THIS PERIOD, 99% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO ADDRESS THEIR LEARNING AND SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL NEEDS AND/OR THE PARENT GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD 97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES THAT WERE MORE TAILORED TO THEIR LEARNING NEEDS AND/OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. 80% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT LEGAL REPRESENTATION. PROGRAM WIDE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: STUDENT ADVOCACY,INC. PROVIDED COUNSEL AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR 463 UNDUPLICATED YOUTH AGES 3 TO 21 WITH DISABILITIES IN WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES NEW YORK AND ADDRESSED 497 MATTERS, BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2024 AND DECEMBER 31, 2024. AMONG THE 332 CLOSED MATTERS, STUDENT ADVOCACY SUCCESSFULLY ADVOCATED FOR IMPROVED EDUCATION SERVICES IN 92% OF THE MATTERS INCLUDING PARENTS EDUCATED TO BECOME EFFECTIVE ADVOCATES FOR THEIR CHILDREN. 83% OF CLIENTS RECEIVING SERVICES FROM STUDENT ADVOCACY ATTENDED SCHOOLS IN DISTRICTS WHERE 50% OR MORE OF THE STUDENT POPULATION IS IDENTIFIED AS ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED. STUDENT ADVOCACY IS SUCCESSFULLY REACHING ITS TARGET AUDIENCE - LOWER INCOME FAMILIES WHO WITHOUT OUR GUIDANCE AND REPRESENTATION WOULD BE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE EDUCATION SERVICES TO WHICH THEIR CHILDREN ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL. 79% OF CLIENTS SEEK OUR LEGAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED MATTERS. 45% OF STUDENTS SERVED ARE YOUTH IN GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 6 INDICATING THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS REACHING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES EARLY IN THEIR ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WHEN INTERVENTION CAN HAVE THE GREATEST AND LONGEST LASTING IMPACT. 97% OF FAMILIES RECEIVED SERVICES AT NO COST. 52 VOLUNTEERS DONATED 156 HOURS SERVING ON THE OVERCOMING THE ODDS SELECTION COMMITTEE TO CHOOSE THE STUDENT HONOREES FOR THE 2024 OTO AWARDS RECOGNITION CEREMONY. BASED ON THE 2024 INDEPENDENT SECTOR REPORT, THE HOURLY VALUE IS 38.48, FOR A TOTAL OF DONATED SERVICES OF 6002.88. THE OVERCOMING THE ODDS MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING IN SCHOOL DUE TO DISABILITIES AND OTHER CHALLENGES. THE ORGANIZATION'S EDUCATION ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES WORK WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE RECEIVING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL. THE IIK CONTRACTS TARGET STUDENTS IN ELEVEN COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHERE 50% OR MORE OF THE STUDENT POPULATION IS IDENTIFIED AS ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 117 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED COUNSEL AND REPRESENTATION AS PART OF THE OTO MIDDLE SCHOOL/OTO HIGH SCHOOL WCYB 11K CONTRACTS; 91% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES; 83% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES WITH THE REMAINING 17% RECEIVING CONSULTATIONS; OF THE 79 CLOSED MATTERS DURING THIS PERIOD, 99% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO ADDRESS THEIR LEARNING AND SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL NEEDS AND/OR THE PARENT GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD 97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES THAT WERE MORE TAILORED TO THEIR LEARNING NEEDS AND/OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. 80% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT LEGAL REPRESENTATION.
- $184,813 spent. RIGHT START PROGRAM: WCYB IIK CONTRACT-THE RIGHT START PROGRAM PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 WHOSE READING PROFICIENCY IS TWO YEARS OR MORE BELOW GRADE LEVEL. ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES ASSISTED STUDENTS IN OBTAINING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO WHICH THEY WERE LEGALLY ENTITLED AND WOULD AID IN ADVANCING THEIR READING AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT. ISSUES THAT IMPACT LEARNING INCLUDING BEHAVIORAL AND SCHOOL REFUSAL WERE ALSO ADDRESSED AS PART OF THE ADVOCACY WORK. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 30 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 93% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES; 97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; OF THE 18 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS YEAR, 95% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES TO ADDRESS THEIR READING AND LITERACY SKILLS AND/OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. READY FOR LIFE PROGRAM: WCYB OCFS CONTRACT-THE READY FOR LIFE PROGRAM PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR 29 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS AGES 14 TO 21 WITH AN INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)). OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES ENSURED THAT STUDENTS WITH QUALIFYING DISABILITES HAD TRANSITION GOALS INCLUDED IN THEIR IEPS THAT WOULD PREPARE THEM FOR FURTHER EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT, INDEPENDENT LIVING AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 29 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 90% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES; 97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; OF THE 21 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD, 100% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED TRANSITION PLANS TO SUPPORT THEIR POST-SECONDARY GOALS AND/OR THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. ONE STUDENT IN THIS GROUP RECEIVED THE OVERCOMING THE ODDS AWARD, IN RECOGNITON OF HIS PERSEVERANCE AND COMMITMENT TO HIS EDUCATION. RIGHT START PROGRAM: WCYB IIK CONTRACT-THE RIGHT START PROGRAM PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 WHOSE READING PROFICIENCY IS TWO YEARS OR MORE BELOW GRADE LEVEL. ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES ASSISTED STUDENTS IN OBTAINING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO WHICH THEY WERE LEGALLY ENTITLED AND WOULD AID IN ADVANCING THEIR READING AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT. ISSUES THAT IMPACT LEARNING INCLUDING BEHAVIORAL AND SCHOOL REFUSAL WERE ALSO ADDRESSED AS PART OF THE ADVOCACY WORK. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 30 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 93% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES; 97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; OF THE 18 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS YEAR, 95% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES TO ADDRESS THEIR READING AND LITERACY SKILLS AND/OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. READY FOR LIFE PROGRAM: WCYB OCFS CONTRACT-THE READY FOR LIFE PROGRAM PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR 29 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS AGES 14 TO 21 WITH AN INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)). OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES ENSURED THAT STUDENTS WITH QUALIFYING DISABILITES HAD TRANSITION GOALS INCLUDED IN THEIR IEPS THAT WOULD PREPARE THEM FOR FURTHER EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT, INDEPENDENT LIVING AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 29 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 90% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES; 97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; OF THE 21 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD, 100% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED TRANSITION PLANS TO SUPPORT THEIR POST-SECONDARY GOALS AND/OR THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. ONE STUDENT IN THIS GROUP RECEIVED THE OVERCOMING THE ODDS AWARD, IN RECOGNITON OF HIS PERSEVERANCE AND COMMITMENT TO HIS EDUCATION.
- $138,596 spent. SOLUTIONS NOT SUSPENSIONS: WCYB OCFS CONTRACT-THE SOLUTIONS NOT SUSPENSION PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF YOUTH WHO ARE FACING DISCIPLINARY ACTION WITH THE GOAL OF LIMITING OR ELIMINATING THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT A STUDENT SPENDS OUT OF SCHOOL. RESEARCH DEMONSTRATES THE HARMFUL IMPACT OF BEING SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL: "AFTER BEING SUSPENDED, A STUDENT IS 20% MORE LIKELY TO FAIL; 8% MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT; AND 55% MORE LIKELY TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM." STUDENT ADVOCACY SEEKS ALTERNATIVES TO SUSPENSIONS THAT INCLUDE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 63 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 65% OF MATTERS WERE RELATED TO DISCIPLINARY, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES AND 35% WERE RELATED TO ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL EDUCATION MATTERS; OF THE 40 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD,93% RESULTED IN A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT OUT OF SCHOOL AND THE ADDITION OF SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE STUDENTS' SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND ACADEMIC NEEDS. SOLUTIONS NOT SUSPENSIONS: WCYB OCFS CONTRACT-THE SOLUTIONS NOT SUSPENSION PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF YOUTH WHO ARE FACING DISCIPLINARY ACTION WITH THE GOAL OF LIMITING OR ELIMINATING THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT A STUDENT SPENDS OUT OF SCHOOL. RESEARCH DEMONSTRATES THE HARMFUL IMPACT OF BEING SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL: "AFTER BEING SUSPENDED, A STUDENT IS 20% MORE LIKELY TO FAIL; 8% MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT; AND 55% MORE LIKELY TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM." STUDENT ADVOCACY SEEKS ALTERNATIVES TO SUSPENSIONS THAT INCLUDE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 63 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 65% OF MATTERS WERE RELATED TO DISCIPLINARY, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES AND 35% WERE RELATED TO ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL EDUCATION MATTERS; OF THE 40 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD,93% RESULTED IN A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT OUT OF SCHOOL AND THE ADDITION OF SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE STUDENTS' SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND ACADEMIC NEEDS.
- $115,508 spent. PROMOTING SCHOOL SERVICES FOR COURT INVOLVED YOUTH PROGRAM - DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION CONTRACT; STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROVIDED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND COUNSEL FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE INTERACTED WITH THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM UNDER THIS CONTRACT. ATTORNEYS REPRESENTED THESE YOUTHS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO RETURN TO OR REMAIN IN SCHOOL, SO THEY CAN REENGAGE WITH THEIR LEARNING AND RECEIVE THE EDUCATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES TO WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED. STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROMOTES RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 63 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND COUNSEL; 64% RECEIVED DIRECT REPRESENTATION WHILE THE OTHERS RECEIVED CONSULTATION;60% OF MATTERS WERE RELATED TO DISCIPLINARY, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES AND 40% WERE RELATED TO ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL EDUCATION MATTERS; OF THE 49 MATTERS CLOSED,96% RECEIVED SERVICES THAT ENABLED THEM TO RETURN TO SCHOOL AND ENGAGE WITH THEIR LEARNING AND/OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. PROJECT BEST START-MULTIPLE CONTRACTS-PROJECT BEST START, STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROVIDEDS LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 WHO STRUGGLE WITH THEIR READING AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT DUE TO DISABILITIES AND OTHER CHALLENGES. OUR GOAL IS TO HELP STUDENTS ACCESS THE SERVICES APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR LEARNING NEEDS AND TO WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL BASED UPON THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP). ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 58 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 92% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES ; 97% OF STUDENTS WORKED DIRECTLY WITH OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; OF THE 45 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD, 100% RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES TO ADDRESS THEIR READING AND LITERACY NEEDS AND /OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVLEY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. OFFICE OF PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (OPWDD)-STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROVIDED ADVICE, COUNSEL OR REPRESENTAION FOR STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY FOR OPWDD. THE GOAL IS TO HELP STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL SO THEY CAN MAKE PROGRESS WITH THEIR LEARNING AND ULTIMATELY MAKE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO ADULT LIFE . GOALS ARE TAILORED TO EACH CHILD'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND ARE DEVELOPED COLLABORATIVELY BY A TEAM INCLUDING THE PARENTS, EDUCATORS, OTHER RELEVANT PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES. ACCOMPLISSHMENTS:46 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND COUNSEL; 95% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; 92% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED MATTERS; OF THE 33 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD, 94% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES TAILORED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND /OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD.
- PROMOTING SCHOOL SERVICES FOR COURT INVOLVED YOUTH PROGRAM - DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION CONTRACT; STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROVIDED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND COUNSEL FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE INTERACTED WITH THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM UNDER THIS CONTRACT. ATTORNEYS REPRESENTED THESE YOUTHS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO RETURN TO OR REMAIN IN SCHOOL, SO THEY CAN REENGAGE WITH THEIR LEARNING AND RECEIVE THE EDUCATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES TO WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED. STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROMOTES RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 63 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND COUNSEL; 64% RECEIVED DIRECT REPRESENTATION WHILE THE OTHERS RECEIVED CONSULTATION;60% OF MATTERS WERE RELATED TO DISCIPLINARY, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES AND 40% WERE RELATED TO ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL EDUCATION MATTERS; OF THE 49 MATTERS CLOSED,96% RECEIVED SERVICES THAT ENABLED THEM TO RETURN TO SCHOOL AND ENGAGE WITH THEIR LEARNING AND/OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. PROJECT BEST START-MULTIPLE CONTRACTS-PROJECT BEST START, STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROVIDEDS LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 WHO STRUGGLE WITH THEIR READING AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT DUE TO DISABILITIES AND OTHER CHALLENGES. OUR GOAL IS TO HELP STUDENTS ACCESS THE SERVICES APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR LEARNING NEEDS AND TO WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL BASED UPON THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP). ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 58 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND ADVOCACY; 92% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED ISSUES ; 97% OF STUDENTS WORKED DIRECTLY WITH OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; OF THE 45 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD, 100% RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES TO ADDRESS THEIR READING AND LITERACY NEEDS AND /OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVLEY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD. OFFICE OF PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (OPWDD)-STUDENT ADVOCACY, INC. PROVIDED ADVICE, COUNSEL OR REPRESENTAION FOR STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY FOR OPWDD. THE GOAL IS TO HELP STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO IN SCHOOL SO THEY CAN MAKE PROGRESS WITH THEIR LEARNING AND ULTIMATELY MAKE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO ADULT LIFE . GOALS ARE TAILORED TO EACH CHILD'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND ARE DEVELOPED COLLABORATIVELY BY A TEAM INCLUDING THE PARENTS, EDUCATORS, OTHER RELEVANT PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES. ACCOMPLISSHMENTS:46 UNDUPLICATED STUDENTS RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AS WELL AS ADVICE AND COUNSEL; 95% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES; 92% OF MATTERS WERE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED MATTERS; OF THE 33 MATTERS CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD, 94% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES TAILORED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND /OR THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WAS EDUCATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILD.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1982.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
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