Stipends & Skills Training: A Winning Combination
For millions of Americans who struggle in low-wage jobs, sector-specific accelerated skills training is a proven economic mobility solution. However, a financial barrier to participate in training exists for many potential participants. In 2021, Per Scholas partnered with the SkillUp Coalition to test the impact of providing one-time $1,000 stipends for learners across the United States.
The Research
A year later, the results are clear: stipends work and make a transformational difference in the lives of those enrolled in a proven training program. In every category evaluated, Per Scholas learners who received a stipend out-performed those who didn’t. After controlling for demographics and educational differences, receiving the $1,000 SkillUp stipend was associated with an 18 percent increase in graduation, 11 percent increase in certification rates, and a 10 percent increase in employment.
Click below to read our Policy Brief and to access the full research.
Read the Policy Brief
Read the Full Research
Meet Brianna, A SkillUp Stipend Recipient
Hear from Per Scholas Cincinnati graduate and SkillUp stipend recipient Brianna as she shares about
her upskilling journey from custodian to IT Support Specialist.
Stipends & Skills Training: A Winning Combination Webinar
On December 6, Per Scholas and SkillUp hosted a virtual event to increase awareness about the power of stipends in skills training. Panelists included:
Steve Lee, Executive Director, SkillUp
Caitlyn Brazill, Chief Development Officer, Per Scholas
Brennan Brown, Director, Educational Partnerships, Charles Koch Foundation
Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity, Americas, Google
Anthony Ngangmi, Per Scholas Graduate who received a stipend in 2021, Oracle
Click here to watch the powerful webinar.
Want to get in touch?
We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Sara Luciano, Vice President of Communications at Per Scholas by email at [email protected].
Interested in partnering with SkillUp?
Visit www.skillup.org/partners to learn more and submit your interest!
Are you ready to partner with Per Scholas?
Hire a graduate, customize a course, volunteer, or invest in Per Scholas. Get in touch with a team member and become a Per Scholas Partner.