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.
What a $1,000 Stipend Made Possible
After controlling for demographics and educational differences, receiving the $1,000 SkillUp stipend was associated with:
18%
Increase in graduation
11%
Increase in certification rates
10%
Increase in employment rates
Meet Brianna, a SkillUp Stipend Recipient
Hear from Per Scholas Cincinnati graduate and SkillUp stipend recipient Brianna as she shares 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
Want to Get in Touch?
We'd love to hear from you! Please contact Sara Luciano, Vice President of Communications at Per Scholas, at [email protected].
Interested in partnering with SkillUp? Visit their partner page to learn more and submit your interest.