Abstract

California has amassed a vast and growing population of homeless people. There exists a need to discuss the more significant generational impact that homelessness presents for students in secondary schools and to develop strategic planning to dismantle cyclical homelessness. Currently, there is an alarming trend in the number of youths who are experiencing homelessness. While much research in the past observed families experiencing housing instability, there are also burgeoning patterns of youth who are enrolled in high school, yet are becoming homeless due to running away from home. Both nationally and in California, youth are running away from their families and foster care and cyclically falling into homelessness because of the lack of resources available. In addition, they are more susceptible to experiencing human trafficking, mental illness, substance abuse, arrests, and chronic absenteeism from school because their focus becomes survival. This study examines the relationship, if any, between homeless youth and their attainment of academic success. Specifically analyzed in this research were the structures of schools and the leaders charged with developing equitable systems to ensure retention and graduation for youth experiencing housing instability. Utilizing Appreciative Inquiry as a framework in this qualitative phenomenological research, educators were empowered to reflect on their current practices and discuss the possibilities for future strategies schools could enact strategically and systemically to help more youth experiencing homelessness obtain a high school diploma. Additionally, this study involved high schools, the roles of educators appointed to homeless youth, understanding the structures of schools, and gatekeeping that upholds privilege and denies ensuring students’ social mobility to thrive in academic spaces, how schools can academically support homeless youth by listening to the students and families experiencing inconsistent housing and those that have direct service with this population and can attest to how funding and support should be allocated, namely for mental health and wraparound services, an onsite case manager, and a service provider directory updated semi-annually.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Homeless youth—Education (Secondary)--California; Homeless youth—Services for—California; Students—Homelessness—California; Academic achievement—California

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Gabriella Miramontes

Download

Included in

Education Commons

Share

COinS