Higher Education: Action Needed to Improve Access to Federal Financial Assistance for Homeless and Foster Youth
Type
Year published
Accession number
25391
Title
Higher Education: Action Needed to Improve Access to Federal Financial Assistance for Homeless and Foster Youth
Abstract
This report describes the findings and recommendations of a United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on the college experiences of homeless youth and youth in foster homes, who are often unprepared for the transition to adulthood. GAO examined college enrollment and completion for foster and homeless youth, the extent to which challenges these youth face affect their ability to pursue college, and the extent to which program barriers hinder these youth from obtaining federal financial assistance for college. GAO developed several recommendations to the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to improve homeless and foster youth access to financial assistance for college, including 1) centralizing college information for these youth on Educations website, 2) clarifying Educations guidance, and 3) considering legislative proposals to simplify federal requirements for homeless and foster youth. (Author Abstract Modified)
Availability details
Available free of charge from the U.S. General Accountability Office: https://www.gao.gov/assets/680/677325.pdf.