Information Behaviors of Homeless Education Experts for Supporting College-Bound Students

Abstract

The transition from high school to higher education can be difficult for any student. For the 100,000 high school seniors each year who experience homelessness, the challenges around transitioning to higher education are magnified, causing many to forego college all together. This emerging research study seeks to understand how McKinney-Vento homeless liaisons at the state, region, and school district level find and use information to support homeless students’ transition to higher education. Findings suggest the need for single points of contact on college campuses, uniformity of supports and information available to liaisons, students, and families.