Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to see if California community college students who were receiving welfare were being affected by welfare reform. The new welfare reform legislation has imposed strict requirements for students who want to continue to receive aid. Time limits and work requirements have added additional pressure to a student who is trying to juggle school and home. SIPs have been given some degree of protection in the CalWORK's legislation, but it may have created too many barriers for students to stay in school and complete their educational goal. Therefore, it is important to know the affect this legislation has had on SIN and if students are able to complete their educational goals with the required mandates. Methodology. Data from student's transcripts were analyzed to obtain information regarding SIP student's course persistence and grade point average. In a follow-up to the data collection, through semistructured interviews, individual students were questioned and encouraged to discuss their experience with their educational goals since the advent of welfare reform. Findings. The results of the research conducted indicate the impact of welfare reform on a student's grade point average and educational program was largely negligible. In this study there was no significant difference in grade point average and educational program for students before or after welfare reform. There was a positive impact for students in regard to the increase of units attempted and taken after welfare reform was implemented. Conclusions and recommendations. The additional support of students by their county caseworker and college staff was found to be a positive contribution to the student's educational success. The case studies illustrate the need for the California legislation to continue to provide the support system needed to insure that resources are available for welfare participants who want to continue with their education. It further highlights the needs for all county caseworkers to be trained in how to support, motivate, and encourage welfare recipients in their pursuit of an education and better life. It is also recommended that counties encourage more welfare recipients to participate in education and, in addition, provide them with the above-mentioned support that will be needed.