Study’s findings on supports for LA County homeless youth can inform change

The UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools’ March brief “Hidden in Plain Sight: Fear, Underidentification, and Funding Gaps for Housing-Insecure Students in Los Angeles County” details the findings of a recent research study on the perspectives of staff, such as homeless liaisons, district coordinators and county officials, who are responsible for supporting the population’s academic success.

Students share their high school experiences, postsecondary plans

High school (53 percent), social media (31 percent) and their parents (21 percent) were the top sources rising college students whose own parents received higher education cited for learning about their future careers, according to the California Cradle-to-Career Data System’s student experience report for the 2025 academic year. For first-generation college goers, school (50 percent) and parents (38 percent) were top sources, followed by social media (27 percent).

How to prevent homelessness among highly marginalized youth

The recent report Preventing Youth Homelessness in Highly Marginalized Populations considers causes of youth homelessness and potential prevention strategies for five groups of young people who are disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness, and underrepresented in research and policy conversations.

Study findings shine light on the value of mental health services on school campuses

For the three in 10 California children ages 12-17 who report symptoms that meet the criteria for serious psychological distress, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative and the California Community Schools Partnership Program are crucial lifelines. The two programs invest a combined $8 billion in the mental health of children and teens, including school-based services.