Welfare Use: Implications for Teen Mothers' Education

Abstract

This study examines the role of welfare benefits in retaining teenage mothers in educational programs. Using data from the 1985 Survey of Income Program Participation, 212 mothers, aged 15 through 21 years, who have one or more children were studied. The findings show that receiving AFDC and WIC benefits, living with parents, and public expenditure on education per pupil in the state positively influence teen mothers' education. Receiving food stamps is negatively associated with the educational attainment of teenage mothers.