Brief Facilitating Postsecondary Education and Training for TANF Recipients
Gayle Hamilton, Susan Scrivener
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Increasing education among low-income parents is a vital component of policies to improve families economic status. This brief draws on rigorous studies to highlight what is known about effects to encourage participation in and completion of postsecondary education among recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance and other low-income populations. The research shows that it is challenging to increase higher education enrollment, particularly among low-income, employed single parents. Some community-college-based programs have succeeded, although only one has increased school persistence in the medium term.
Research Areas Education Families Social safety net Workforce
Tags Higher education Workforce development Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Economic well-being Public service and subsidized employment programs
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center