Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

Abstract

Outreach groups and after-school programs have been shown to contribute positive reinforcement and guidance to students who suffer from chronic absenteeism. The Salinas City Elementary School District Family Resource Center at Sherwood Elementary School provides resources to homeless and foster families. Several facilitators began conducting an outreach group with the sixth-grade unhoused population. Sessions were focused on spreading leadership knowledge surrounding the transition from elementary school to middle school. Expected outcomes included increased student leadership knowledge and overall attendance through observations, data collection, and feedback. At the conclusion of the program, 68% of the participants experienced an increase in their attendance ranging from 0.4% - 1.5%. Post survey data found that 70% of students responded that the Leader in Me program makes them excited to come to school. Implementing groups like these promotes being present in class, especially if meeting times are within school hours, such as lunch time, and leads to increased attendance.

Download

Share

COinS