06/01/2019

Career Development for Students Experiencing Homelessness

By Carrie Sanders and Stacey Havlik

[Eds. Note - this article originally appeared in the web magazine in Dec. 2015. Because of its significance to today's readers (particularly those attending the NCDA Global Career Development Conference), we are re-running it now.]

Experiencing Homelessness
Homelessness is a unique circumstance that affects students across the school system. Although, homelessness is often thought of as only those individuals living in shelters or on the street, the federal definition also encompasses those who are doubled-up with others families, living in hotels or motels, awaiting foster care placement, living in public spaces, or staying in other accommodations that are not suitable for humans (United States Department of Education, 2004). Students without permanent housing face needs that students with consistent housing may not, particularly when it comes to their education (Havlik, Brady, & Gavin, 2014).

It is difficult enough to be a child or adolescent going through normal developmental changes while trying to keep up with classes, but adding the complication of homelessness creates barriers to achieving educational success. Students experiencing homelessness face heightened stress due to their homeless circumstances. This may present as behavioral or emotional concerns in schools. Due to their transience, students may also find it difficult to make friends or build relationships with teachers and other school professionals. Additionally, students’ frequent moves between schools can also make it challenging to keep up with coursework, or ensure they are placed in the appropriate courses.

Unfortunately, the number of families experiencing homelessness in cities across the country is growing (United States Conference of Mayors, 2013). This means that school counselors and other educators are called upon to support students who are facing a loss of housing in obtaining educational success. Due to the unique challenges they face, students experiencing homelessness may need additional support to help them achieve the ultimate goal of post-secondary success.

College and Career Readiness Related to Homelessness
Considering the importance of college and career readiness (Anctil, Smith, Schenck, & Dahir, 2012), school counselors must identify how to incorporate career counseling to equip students who are experiencing homelessness with the tools they need to be successful (ASCA, 2012). Addressing career preparation with students experiencing homelessness may be different than the process with students who have consistent housing. This includes providing information about post-secondary options, informing students and their families about pathways to achieve their college and career goals, and offering support and guidance as students seek to identify and achieve their career aspirations.

Students experiencing homelessness have unique issues related to career and college planning. For instance, they may have difficulty accessing information about college, since many of the resources available for college and career planning require a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. Depending on the living situation, limited accessibility to technology is a barrier to having the opportunity to explore the same information easily accessed by their peers. In addition, students may not know where to gather relevant information to prepare them for success. Counselors can provide students specific information regarding career exploration, post-secondary options and the pathways to achieve their desired outcomes. This information can be shared at all levels of education through individual, group, or classroom meetings as well as through the distribution of printed materials to empower students who might otherwise be uninformed (ASCA, 2012).

Providing resources in print allows for information to be accessible when families are transient and without an Internet connection. In addition, because students experiencing homelessness are often transient, offering withdrawing students information about who to contact for guidance and information will keep them connected to resources. Since support and guidance throughout the post-secondary planning process is imperative, it is important to consider the community that surrounds the student and offer avenues to obtain support and guidance throughout the process.

Below, we offer practical suggestions at each level for school counselors and educators to help facilitate the career development process for students experiencing homelessness. In order to best support students’ development, the process should begin in elementary school:

Elementary School:

Promote parent (and other adult) involvement related to interest and career development;
Encourage students to explore their interests, skills, and abilities (i.e., What are their gifts and talents? What do they like to do?);
Expose students to different career clusters;
Invite speakers to talk about different jobs and the skills needed;
Organize a career day and connect academic subjects to the world of work, especially in the community at-large.

Middle School:

Continue to guide students in identifying and developing their strengths and interests;
Draw connections between what they are learning now to their future by encouraging teachers to integrate class discussions;
Prepare students to meet their high school aspirations by offering guidance to select appropriate courses;
Support short and long-term planning for students by providing them a framework for their post-secondary options; have these plans printed on paper for them to keep;
Design and implement a mentorship program for high school students to work with middle school students.

High School:

Equip students with tools to prepare them for life after high school and teach them how to reach out for help;
Introduce students to a variety of colleges (e.g., schedule college representatives in the high school or have the student go out to college visits);
Visit shelters to provide post-secondary information and communicate with students and families;
Provide students and families information about the process of seeking financial aid (e.g., FAFSA);
Offer family education sessions early in high school (be creative with how and where you present the information);
Support the online application process by having computers available for students.

Across Educational Levels:

Engage students in the career exploration, information seeking, and planning processes;
Promote parent or other adult involvement in career development and post-secondary planning;
Encourage teachers to connect subject-area content to practical application in the world of work.

References
American School Counseling Association. (2012). The American School Counselor Association national model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.

Anctil, T., Smith, C., Schenck, P., & Dahir, C. (2012). Professional school counselors’ career development practices and continuing education needs. The Career Development Quarterly, 60(2), 109-121.

Gerwirtz, A., Hart-Shegos, E., & Medhanie, A. (2008). Psychosocial status of homeless children and youth in family supportive housing. American Behavioral Scientist, 51(6), 810-823.

Havlik, S., Brady, J., & Gavin, K. (2014). Exploring the needs of students experiencing homelessness from school counselors’ perspectives. Journal of School Counseling, 12(20). Retrieved from http://jsc.montana.edu/articles/v12n20.pdf

United State Conference of Mayors. (2013). Hunger and homelessness survey: A state report on hunger and homelessness in America’s cities. A 25-city survey. Retrieved from http://www.usmayors.org/pressreleases/uploads/2013/1210-report-HH.pdf

United States Department of Education (2004). McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg116.html#sec1031

Carrie Sanders, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Development in the College of Education at Winthrop University. She can be contacted by e-mail at sandersc@winthrop.edu

Stacey Havlik, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education and Counseling at Villanova University. She can be contacted by e-mail at stacey.havlik@villanova.edu

17 Comments

Leave a Comment

Tonya W. on Monday 05/16/2016 at 10:43 AM

Excellent article, Carrie and Stacey! The career day idea for elementary students is a wonderful idea.

Pearl Polestico on Friday 07/08/2016 at 03:20 AM

What an interesting article you have presented Carrie & Stacey! It inspires the career counselors to look into the educational needs and work aspirations of those who are homeless in the communities.

Libby Berke on Tuesday 09/10/2024 at 12:24 PM

Thank you for the very informative article, Carrie and Stacey. While I learned many useful tips while reading this article there was one that really stood out to me: “Visit shelters to provide post-secondary information and communicate with students and families.” It led me to wonder if and how often this happens in my town and towns around me. This is a great idea because you not only have the student’s attention, but their parent/guardian as well. A lot of students and families who experience homelessness think that college is out of the picture. However, I believe that many times it is because they don’t have enough information about programs, scholarships, affordability etc. and this seems like a great first step to give them the belief that a post-secondary option is possible. Thanks again!

Brian Rodrigues on Tuesday 09/10/2024 at 01:09 PM

This is a very educational article since dealing with students who may be experiencing homelessness is very difficult and troubling. This article does provide excellent resources when it comes to working with families who may be facing homelessness. This one part of the article, "Due to their transience, students may also find it difficult to make friends or build relationships with teachers and other school professionals" really stood out to me because as a future school counselor we need to be able to build positive relationships with students when they may face a challenge. Thank you Carrie & Stacey for this fantastic article!

Russ Flanagan on Sunday 09/15/2024 at 05:13 PM

Sanders and Havlik bring to light, through this educative article, the much overlooked topic of the homeless student. Defined by multiple standards under federal government guidelines, homelessness can prove to be a particular challenge to any student experiencing it. As noted in the article, counselors will have to be prepared for the challenge of helping the homeless student manage heightened stress as well as behavioral or emotional issues in addition to facilitating the student's management of coursework. As a counselor in training, I found the suggestions (outlined by grade) to be especially informative. Thank you for your wisdom in this area counseling.

Emma Derry on Monday 09/16/2024 at 03:41 PM

Thank you for addressing the critical issue of how homelessness affects students educational and career development. Your insights into the broader definition of homelessness and its impact on students are crucial. I appreciate your practical strategies across different educational levels, such as promoting career exploration from an early age, providing accessible information, and involving parents and mentors. These approaches are vital for helping students experiencing homelessness overcome barriers and achieve post-secondary success. Your recommendations offer a valuable framework for school counselors and educators to support these students effectively, I will definitely try to incorporate them in my future work!

Kayleigh Actis on Tuesday 09/17/2024 at 12:46 PM

An understanding of the differing types of homelessness is important to consider. Many still perceive being homeless as having no home, and the explanation of the various types of homelessness is eye opening. The stress and embarrassment these students feel may lead to trying to hide their circumstances as they and their parents’ main concern may be that the children could be taken away. This distracts from being able to focus on their future when their current situation is in flux. Promoting family involvement and a pathway for these students to pursue their interests the same as anyone else is crucial.

Alexa Morales on Tuesday 09/17/2024 at 05:13 PM

I cannot emphasize how important this topic is!! It's clear that helping these students with their career development requires a different approach, and your article gives clear guidance for each educational level. The emphasis on getting parents and adults involved, encouraging students to explore their interests, and providing accessible resources is crucial to make sure that students experiencing homelessness have the support they need to pursue their career and educational goals. Despite their differing circumstances, all students deserve equal opportunities to explore various career paths, we cannot let their circumstance hold them back. We also need to empower and encourage students, anything they want to do or become is possible, sometimes they just need someone in their corner telling them they can be more than their circumstances.

Mason Lavache on Tuesday 09/17/2024 at 06:03 PM

I have really enjoyed reading this article! I have gathered so much new knowledge about homelessness in children and how it directly impacts their ability to get proper education and gain adequate knowledge on career exploration and development. I enjoyed the part of the article that specifically focused on the challenges and how to overcome them for elementary school, middle school, and high school. There are different obstacles that come up when working with different ages and homelessness will impact each of them differently. The three main things I took away from working with kids about career development and exploration was to get their adults involved in the process while getting the student engaged as well. It is also critical to encourage the teachers to relate their subject matter to real world work experiences and possibilities for them. Thanks for the article! Great job!

Mariah Hunt on Wednesday 09/18/2024 at 11:29 AM

Thank you for raising awareness of this topic! It is important to address college/ career awareness with all students, including students who face homelessness. These students face inequities and inaccessibility that make it difficult to get all the information they need and take crucial steps for their future. But through these methods, spoken about in the article, you can make career and college development accessible and proactive. It is important to be aware that without these interventions in place for these students, they will likely lack awareness, accessibility, and preparedness for their future after school. It is something that needs to be advocated for!

Olivia Weltin on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 01:17 PM

Thank you for this important and timely article addressing the unique challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness. Your insights into the barriers these students encounter in their career development are both enlightening and necessary. I particularly appreciate your practical suggestions for school counselors at each educational level, emphasizing the need for tailored support and resources.

The focus on building relationships with families and communities is crucial, as it fosters a network of support that can help students navigate their educational and career pathways. Your call to provide printed resources acknowledges the reality of limited access to technology, which is often overlooked in discussions about career readiness.

Overall, this article serves as a valuable guide for educators and counselors striving to create inclusive and supportive environments for all students. Thank you for your thoughtful contributions to this vital area of career development.

Maggie Grace on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 04:11 PM

This article is very educational and important for myself and classmates to read as we work towards getting our masters in school counseling. Supporting homeless students is imperative in their well being and lifelong success. The collaboration betwen school counselors at all education levels will help in achieving the success of these students.

Rebeca Cruz on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 04:30 PM

Thank you for this great article. Great resource for future counselors when they encounter such an unfortunate event. As unfortunate as it is, its necessary to be educated on the subject if/when the situation presents itself with a homeless student.

Rebeca Cruz on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 04:30 PM

Shane Paul Coffey on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 04:36 PM

The article written by here has opened my eyes. My comprehension of the crucial role that early career development plays for kids who are experiencing homelessness has been greatly emphaised in your study. In order to provide these children a feeling of potential and optimism, one must place a strong focus on developing easily available tools and offering individualized help. The writers' understanding of the particular difficulties experienced by homeless pupils is inspiring

Grace Shirley on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 08:03 PM

Thank you for this article!
As someone who is currently completing my internship at a school where the issue of homelessness is a prominent factor, I have come to see firsthand how important of an issue this is to address and combat. For me personally; it wasn’t until about last year during my time in the school counseling program where I discovered that the definition of being homeless does not only apply to individuals living in shelters or on the streets. As someone who would like to pursue a role as a school counselor, I am grateful for the experiences and lessons I have gained from my current internship as I am able to see the support systems and stability that a school system can provide to students who may not have this type of arrangement in their homelife.

David mello on Friday 09/20/2024 at 11:08 AM

Great article! Homelessness is something that many of my students deal with and it makes it very hard for students to see the future when they feel stuck in their current situation.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the comments shown above are those of the individual comment authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of this organization.