Increasing Access to Higher Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness: Utilizing Transition Plans to Empower Students (brief)

This brief is designed for educators who want to support the educational aspirations of students
experiencing homelessness.
While educational transition plans have previously been utilized to support students with special needs and those exiting foster care, this tool has rarely been leveraged to address the unique needs of students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. A transition plan enables educators to guide students in articulating goals, identifying potential challenges, accessing resources, and taking consistent steps toward turning their goals into reality. Transition plans allow for the development of tailored strategies that recognize each student’s individual strengths and challenges. This collaborative and holistic transition process enables educators the ability to co-create personalized plans with students. The process empowers students to pursue postsecondary opportunities confidently. By centering the student’s voice in the planning process, this tool supports meaningful and actionable transition planning that aligns with the students’ goals and aspirations.