Poverty and its Effects among Post-Secondary Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

Poverty is a complex issue that suffers from common misconceptions, especially here in Canada. When we think about students, we do not often consider their challenges with poverty. Previous studies addressing post-secondary students dealing with poverty have only considered their financial challenges through measuring their income levels. The current applied research project, Poverty and its Effects among Post-Secondary Students: A Mixed-Methods Study, focuses on the connection between poverty and how it is related to other aspects of students lives; more specifically; income, health, food security, quality and safety of accommodation, and academic achievement. Using a mixed methods technique of surveys and interviews to examine this existing gap in research, this study has been able to address the following research question: “What is the experience of post-secondary students at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College who live in poverty?” The results can directly benefit students through informing policy-related decisions and institutional planning, which include but are not limited to student services, financial services, and health services.

Poverty and its Effects among Post-Secondary Students: A Mixed-Methods Study, has also provided a unique opportunity for Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge to collaborate on a research project that has provided deeper insight into the issues of poverty that directly impact post-secondary students. Together, these institutions will have the opportunity to expand the scope of the study by sharing the results to multiple partners both locally and regionally.