Planning the Future in an Uncertain Present: Postsecondary Possibilities for Accompanied Youth of Color Experiencing Homelessness

摘要

Research suggests diverse experiences with homelessness can affect students' PK-12 school success and, relatedly, postsecondary opportunities. Exploring postsecondary preparation and planning in the context of housing instability, this study draws on the framework of community cultural wealth to explore the lived experiences of accompanied Students of Color undergoing homelessness. Part of a larger qualitative case study on homelessness and a community-based afterschool center, this study draws mainly from interviews and focus groups with 21 students experiencing homelessness and 10 program providers. These data reveal students' assets and future aspirations despite formidable structural challenges. Analysis suggests that these students have many assets to aid in postsecondary planning; afterschool programs and other stakeholders can and must amplify these strengths in myriad ways. Contributing to research on the diversity in homelessness, this study focuses purposefully and exclusively on the unique experiences of accompanied students persisting in high school-all of whom identify as Students of Color. Our conclusions counter stereotypes to reveal a wealth of students' personal, academic, and community-oriented strengths-with implications for theory, research, and practice.