DSW Showcase Student Presentation

The primary focus of the presentation will be first-year homeless college students and how to support them during their challenges. While some high school counselors will help students prepare for college, others will not get any help. It is crucial to understand that educators play a pivotal role in providing additional support during the college transition and while pursuing post-secondary education, which benefits college students who encounter these obstacles. The presentation will discuss difficulties that homeless students might face while enrolling in college and offer suggestions for how educators can collaborate to help students overcome barriers while enrolled in post-secondary education. Homelessness can have a detrimental, even traumatic, effect on a student’s mental, emotional, physical, and academic well-being, but with the right support from educators, they can make a difference. Furthermore, many college-bound homeless students have no one in their lives who could act as an educational role model and offer them information and support as they make their way to college. Some homeless students will try to advocate for themselves and overcome their challenges. However, with the right support, these students have the potential to succeed. Other college students continue to experience homelessness while balancing their academic responsibilities with the demands of everyday safety, stress, and financial survival. These students frequently feel out of place when they first start college and wonder if they have what it takes to succeed or belong.