Introduction
A research problem proposal outlines the key components of a planned research project to address a particular issue or problem. The purpose of this paper is to propose a research study on the lack of resources for homeless college students. This introduction defines the research problem, establishes the significance of addressing it, and provides an overview of the remainder of the proposal.
Statement of the Problem
Homelessness among college students is an emerging issue across the United States. The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth estimates that over 300,000 college students experience homelessness each year (NAEHCY, 2021). While college is intended to provide educational opportunities and career advancement, homeless students face immense challenges in affording basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter that negatively impact their academic performance and mental health. Existing campus resources targeted at food/housing insecurity are often inadequate to properly support the growing population of homeless students. The lack of dedicated services and accommodation for homeless students poses a significant barrier to degree attainment and life outcomes.
Significance of the Problem
Addressing homelessness among college students is crucial to improving academic achievement and well-being. Students without stable housing face immense stress related to finding safe/affordable shelter on a daily or weekly basis that detracts from their ability to focus on coursework (Silva et al., 2017). Food insecurity is also pervasive, with over 50% of homeless students experiencing hunger that hinders concentration and health (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2019). Untreated mental health issues stemming from homelessness, like anxiety and depression, can further disrupt academic progress and lead to dropping out. Additionally, failure to identify and support homeless college students denies them equal access to educational opportunities intended to boost social mobility. By developing targeted on-campus resources, institutions can help homeless students overcome financial barriers to degree completion and career placement. On a societal level, investing in effective services for homeless students may lessen future public spending on issues like poverty, homelessness, and poor health that arise due to lack of education.
Research Questions
To examine this issue more deeply, the proposed research study aims to answer the following questions:
What services and accommodations are currently available for homeless college students at various institutions? How effective are existing programs at addressing key issues like housing, nutrition, and mental healthcare needs?
What are the lived experiences and perspectives of homeless college students regarding challenges to academic achievement and well-being? What additional resources or support do they identify as necessary?
How can colleges best structure dedicated programs and policies to meet the specific needs of homeless students and promote higher retention, graduation, and career placement rates? What practices have proven successful at other institutions?
Methodology
To answer the proposed research questions, a mixed methods approach will be utilized. First, a comprehensive review of scholarly literature and existing data on campus homelessness will provide context. Semi-structured interviews will then be conducted with 10-15 homeless/formerly homeless college students from various institutions to gain qualitative insights into their experiences and perspectives. Interviews will be transcribed and coded thematically. An online survey will also solicit feedback from 100 additional homeless/formerly homeless students nationwide. Survey data will quantify key challenges, needs, and recommendations.
To evaluate current approaches, program documents and interviews will be conducted with administrators overseeing services at 10 colleges with established homeless student initiatives. A case study analysis will assess effectiveness of each program model. Findings across methods will then be triangulated to identify best practices and make evidence-based recommendations for comprehensive policy and service structure to better accommodate homeless students on campuses.
Conclusion
Homelessness among college students threatens equal access to education and life outcomes. This proposed study aims to amplify student voices, evaluate current responses, and recommend optimized solutions to address this social issue. Results will provide valuable guidance to institutions seeking to develop targeted programs upholding educational opportunity for all. With dedicated resources and support, homeless students can overcome financial barriers to degree completion and career placement through higher education.