The number of children living in poverty in the United States rose 14.4% from 2019 to 2020 (U.S. Census Bureau). In Florida, nearly one out of every four children live at or below the poverty threshold Koball and Jaing (2018). The complexities of life for people living in poverty are many. These complexities influence the education of students living in poverty. This study explored a sample of teacher candidates' attitudes toward people living in poverty. The survey instrument was The "Undergraduate Perceptions of Poverty Survey" (UPPTS) by Blair et al. (2014). This research represents the first time the UPPTS has been employed in the field of teacher preparation. It proved to be a helpful tool in collecting data from 106 participants, all enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a Predominantly White Institution in Florida. The "overall" attitudes of teacher candidates in this sample were mainly positive, a very good sign for the teaching profession. The limitations of this study do not allow for generalizing these results to teacher candidates as a whole. Much more research using a variety of research methods is necessary for results to be generalizable for teacher candidates and the preparation programs training future teachers. Attitudes have been shown to influence teacher practices which in turn influence student achievement. Teacher attitudes toward student diversity influence their conscious and subconscious decision-making in the classroom limiting or expanding access students have to an equitable education. Teachers' negative attitudes toward students living in poverty are not character flaws. They reflect a lack of experience and knowledge of the circumstances of poverty. This study may help inform research on how best to respond to attitudes toward poverty of teacher candidates and in-service teachers. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]