Action Research Proposal

Chapter I: Introduction

Problem Statement

The problem is that most welfare recipients struggle to complete educational programs prior to exiting the welfare system.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish whether a particular solution strategy enhances the

educational development of welfare recipients.

Description of the Community

The community is in the central region of North Carolina. This poverty-stricken community has the standard number of welfare recipients, when calculating the national average and the average of this community. Furthermore, this community has a raised concern for the progress of welfare recipients. This community steadily experiences increases in poverty level community increased to 16.3 percent from 14.6 percent in 2008. ("Poverty", 2010). This community currently has the 14th largest welfare and poverty rates among all states. ("Poverty", 2010). This community has established a Work First Program to help welfare recipients gain self- sufficiency and obtain jobs through short- term training and other services. In March 2006, 31,356 residents participated in the Work First Program. In October 2010, 24,976 residents participated. Welfare and poverty levels increase while the number of Work First participants decrease. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources (NCDHHS, 2010). Since the recession's start, Work First has generated $159.4 million in statewide economic activity ("Impact of Work," 2009).

1. The community has a whole struggles with completing educational programs, which does not help welfare recipients in the least.

a. This community has more than 6,000 dropouts each year, out of 130,000 students ("NC," 2010).

b. This community also ranks very low with a graduation rate of 46th out of 52 in the nation ("NC," 2010).

c. The district and state encourages a 100% graduation rate (Lee, Howard, 2009).