Expert questions some of the survey methods but acknowledges homelessness percentage  of student population  appears high

At the January 28, 2025, Governing Board meeting, Yavapai Community College economist and data analytics expert Ryan Jones presented an analysis of a recent HOPE survey that showed the percentage of homeless students within the College’s student population. According to the survey—produced by Temple University and distributed to participating colleges, including Yavapai Community College—six percent of Yavapai’s student body reported experiencing homelessness at some point in the past year.

Jones described the figure as “startling and significantly higher than . . . the national or state level.” By comparison, he noted that the national homeless population is approximately one-quarter of one percent of the overall population.

Jones expressed guarded skepticism about the survey’s methodology. “I’m not 100% confident in how the survey frames its questions,” he said, adding that some of the wording appears to be leading rather than neutral.

During the Governing Board discussion, it was noted that many of Yavapai’s students tend to come from less affluent families in the community. Consequently, the student survey may not accurately reflect the percentage of homelessness in the county.

Regardless of the potential weaknesses of the survey, which was self-reported, the overall conclusion appeared to be that a significant percentage of students felt they had been homeless in one way or another during the past year.

If you follow the link posted below, you will find a video clip of some of the discussion at the Board meeting on this topic. It is more detailed than the summary above. 

LINK https://app.screencast.com/OjoWj6n0OOdx8

Twenty-five percent of Yavapai County residents  live only slightly above the  poverty level; Estimated 49% of high school students (median) in County  are on free and reduced lunch because of poverty or near poverty

Dr. Lisa Rhine explained to the Yavapai Community College Governing Board at its June retreat that an estimated one in four county residents live just barely above the  poverty level. These are individuals who are  working full-time at sometimes two and three jobs. They are  living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet. They are in a group Dr. Rhine refers to as ALICE (Asset limited, income restrained, employed). 

Cottonwood led the municipalities in Yavapai County with the highest level of near poverty ALICE citizens, an estimated 34%.  It was followed by Camp Verde with a 32% of its population living in near poverty.  Sedona came in at 19%, Prescott at 22% and Prescott Valley at 26%.

She also said that an estimated 49% of high school students (median) in the County  are on free and reduced lunch because of poverty. There was an indication that in some schools the lunch program had an enrollment of 83%.

To meet the challenge of trying to move thousands of residents out of near poverty (the ALICE group), Dr. Rhine told the Board that she  has set out three objectives:  First, to ensure that the Community College’s curriculum and programs are focused on imparting skills needed to secure living-wage jobs in a new economy highlighted by growing artificial intelligence and automation.

Second, to create a one-stop-shop at the Community College for workforce training.

Third, to align transfer programs so that associate’s graduates can enter Arizona universities as juniors. You may view all of her report on living wage in the video clip below or visit it at the June Governing Board web site.