Across the United States, more and more young people are experiencing homelessness. This increase is happening in both small and large states, but it is rising fastest among Black and Hispanic students. In Texas, which has one of the highest numbers of students facing homelessness, the rate is more than six times the national average.
This study looks at how homelessness affects young people over time, focusing on the ways that race and ethnicity connect to this issue. Specifically, it examines what happens to students experiencing homelessness as they transition from high school to college. The goal is to understand how homelessness impacts high school graduation rates and college enrolment, particularly for Black and Hispanic students.
To explore this, the study answers three key questions:
- How do high school graduation rates differ based on students’ homeless status, race, and ethnicity in Texas?
- Among students who graduate from high school, how does homelessness affect college enrollment for Black and Hispanic students in Texas?
- Among students experiencing homelessness, how do Black and Hispanic students compare to White students in terms of high school graduation and college enrollment in Texas?
By addressing these questions, this research helps highlight the educational challenges faced by homeless youth, especially those from Black and Hispanic communities.