| Popis: |
MEF Associates and its subcontractor, the Urban Institute, are conducting a study to better understand financial capability interventions delivered in the context of employment and training (E&T) programs serving low-income adults. The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is funding the study. Research links financial capability to important outcomes for low-income households, but financial capability levels are low, on average, among low-income individuals. Financial capability interventions such as financial education, coaching, and counseling, intend to improve economic outcomes by building financial skills, knowledge, and self-efficacy, as well as expanding access to resources and opportunities to promote positive financial behaviors. E&T programs provide opportunities to deliver these interventions, but there is currently little evidence on the effectiveness of this channel. This study aims to build more evidence for policymakers and practitioners about the extent, forms, and practices of incorporating financial capability interventions into E&T programs serving low-income adult populations. This study also aims to help establish a basis for research and evaluation in this area. To advance these goals, this study includes six data collection components: An online survey of up to 70 diverse E&T programs that offer financial capability services to low-income adults; phone interviews with program administrators of up to 15 E&T programs; virtual site visits with four E&T programs; interviews with participants of four E&T programs; two focus groups of E&T administrators; and interviews with representatives of up to ten employer-based financial capability programs for low-income adults. The study will produce a final report presenting overall findings and a series of four short topic-based briefs. |
