Honors Projects

Abstract

In Wood, Lucas, and Ottawa County, Ohio, approximately 2,508 students or 2.6% of total enrollment experience homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act (MVA, 1987) aims to reduce educational barriers for these students by ensuring access to transportation, school enrollment, school supplies, and additional educational support. Despite these provisions, the effectiveness of MVA implementation varies among school districts due to differences in staff training, funding, procedures, and the diverse needs of students experiencing homelessness. This study examines service providers’ perceptions of how the MVA is implemented in public school districts and how it affects attendance and academic performance among K–12 students’ experiencing homelessness. The primary research question explored how service providers in the three counties utilize MVA resources and interventions. Using convenience sampling, two school-based service providers were interviewed. Although recruiting participants was challenging due to their professional responsibilities, findings suggest that students who receive support from homeless liaisons tend to show improved attendance and stronger academic performance.

Department

Social Work

Major

Social Work

First Advisor

HeeSoon Lee

First Advisor Department

Social Work

Second Advisor

Lori Brusman-Lovins

Second Advisor Department

Criminal Justice

Publication Date

4-27-2026

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