Date

5-2025

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health & Human Services

Abstract

This capstone project was focused on the lack of adequate access to basic needs and resources for students in the Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD), which impacts their behavior and contributes to behavioral challenges. The project was implemented in collaboration with the district’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coordinator and was carried out through interviews with eight social workers from four middle schools and three high schools within the school district. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was used as the guiding framework to assess the social workers' understanding and their capacity to address students’ basic needs. The expected outcome was defined as the identification of trends, resource gaps, and potential solutions to improve student access to basic needs. The interviews revealed that, while a strong commitment to addressing student needs was expressed by social workers, significant gaps in resources and accessibility were identified. The expected outcome was partially met, as the identification of these gaps was achieved; however, the availability of resources was not fully addressed. It was recommended that the next steps include increased collaboration with local community organizations, the securing of additional resources, and the expansion of access to basic needs support services to ensure that all students are adequately supported both academically and personally.

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