New studies by University of Kansas researchers find that the downturn in the economy has made it more difficult for those on the lower end of the income levels to obtain educational opportunities.

The reports, released earlier in September, looked at the instability caused by the Great Recession and the effect on children’s educational opportunities. The conclusions were that lower-income residents lacked the financial assets to weather the economic downturn and still have money for college.

The studies were conducted by the Assets and Education Initiative within the university’s School of Social Welfare.

The studies conclude that recession sharpens the focus of lower-income families on the immediate “here and now” needs, of food, shelter and survival.