Closing the Upward Mobility Gap
A new study confirms how people earning low wages significantly accelerate their advancement toward new careers and financial stability through LISC’s Bridges to Career Opportunities program.
People earning low wages face formidable – even overwhelming – obstacles as they embark on new career paths. How well equipped they are to surmount these challenges can determine their future success in earning a living wage, securing firm economic footing, and building wealth.
A new study highlights the success of underemployed and unemployed individuals who participate in LISC’s multifaceted Bridges to Career Opportunities program (Bridges). Bridges combines adult education classes contextualized for specific industries with one-on-one coaching to comprehensively address what adult learners need to successfully (1) enroll in laddered vocational training; (2) devote time and focus to their studies; (3) find meaningful employment at a living wage; and (4) solidify personal and household finances to build assets, secure credit, and fully profit from future opportunities to build wealth.
Key Takeaways
The study, conducted by the research firm Abt Associates and funded by the Social Innovation Fund, a federal grant program of AmeriCorps (formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service), underscores how Bridges participants completed impressive accomplishments in a relatively short period of time, during the 14 months that data was collected:
- Nearly 9 out of every 10 Bridges participants (86%) completed the basic or career contextualized courses they took; 80% of those who completed courses also earned credentials in post-secondary education as well as career-specific credentials in fields such as healthcare, child development, manufacturing, and hospitality. Examples of the latter include certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, and welding credentials.
- Roughly 60% of the Bridges graduates either found new employment or advanced in their career. The data collected included Bridges participants who won promotion to a higher-paid position or a post with greater responsibilities.
- Bridges participants improved their reading skills markedly – a full grade level on average – typically in just three to six months.
