data & research
UpliftED is dedicated to providing its members with the robust data and research that drives our work.
Summary
This body of research provides a framework, language, and tools to measure and understand the struggles of a population called ALICE — an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents the growing number of households in our communities that do not earn enough to afford basic necessities. Partnering with United Ways, nonprofits, academic institutions, corporations, and other state organizations, this research initiative provides data to stimulate meaningful discussion, attract new partners, and ultimately inform strategies for positive change. Based on the overwhelming success of this research in identifying and articulating the needs of this vulnerable population, this work has grown from a pilot in Morris County, New Jersey to 21 states and more than 648 United Ways. Together, United for ALICE partners can evaluate current initiatives and discover innovative approaches to improve life for ALICE and the wider community.
Key Points
Who is ALICE? (Pages 3-5)
The cost of living in Florida (Pages 6-10)
The changing landscape of work in Florida (Pages 11-18)
Next steps: Data for action (Pages 19-25)
ALICE in Florida: A Financial Hardship Study
A Report by United Way (2020)
“They often work as cashiers, nursing assistants, office clerks, servers, laborers, and security guards. These types of jobs are vital to keeping Florida’s economy running smoothly, but they do not provide adequate wages to cover the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology...”
Beyond Financial Aid: How colleges can strengthen the financial stability of low-income students and improve student outcomes
A Report by the Lumina Foundation
“...narrowing the gap is not as much about ‘achievement’ as it is about all students having the resources to succeed.”
Summary
Beyond Financial Aid (2015) is a guide for colleges and universities who seek to understand ways in which they can support their low-income students. The report identifies unique challenges facing low-income students in today's economy and provides examples of institutions that successfully utilize innovative programs and resources beyond traditional methods. Included is a self-assessment guide for your institution to evaluate its own methods of support and a comprehensive guide to interpret the results and achieve meaningful impact.
Key Points
Benefits of supporting low-income students (Pages 7-9)
6 strategies to support low-income students (Pages 10-17)
Self-assessment guide, with recommendations (Pages 20-29)
Comprehensive guide to interpret your results (Pages 30-37)
Summary
In 2017 the Helios Education Foundation collaborated with the Florida Philanthropic Network and Florida College Access Network to explore non-traditional scholarships. The brief consists of spotlights on successful programs and discusses the data behind why some types of scholarships invoke change while others are unsuccessful, especially in minority, non-traditional, and low-income populations. The report suggests scholarship providers ask themselves "what is the problem?" "who are we targeting?" and identify ways to evaluate impact.
Key Points
Wraparound support services (Page 3)
Emergency/completion scholarships (Pages 4-6)
Performance-based scholarships (Pages 8-9)
Reverse, micro and reentry scholarships (Pages 12-13)
DESTINATION GRADUATION PROGRAM (Pages 6-7)
Beyond Traditional Scholarships: An exploration of how philanthropic organizations and communities are partnering with colleges and universities to design innovative programs to serve undeserved students.
A Report by the Helios Education Foundation
“With an increasing number of first-generation and low-income students enrolling in postsecondary institutions, a relatively small amount of support has the potential for a great impact”
Degree Attainment Profile - Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County & State of Florida
Prepared by the Florida College Access Network
degree attainment profiles
Orange County click here
Osceola County click here
Seminole County click here
State of Florida click here
Summary
This Issue Brief focuses on how employers can help communities strengthen partnerships, address equity, and improve attainment of postsecondary degrees and credentials.
Key Points
Introduction (Pages 4-5)
Why do Cross-Sector Partnerships Engage Employers in Improving Postsecondary Outcomes in Their Communities? (Page 6)
How Can Cross-Sector Partnerships Engage Employers in Improving Postsecondary Outcomes in Their Communities? (Pages 7-20)
Recommendations for Moving Forward (Page 21)
Engaging Employers in a Cross-Sector Postsecondary Attainment Agenda: Lessons from Lumina Foundation’s Community Partnership for Attainment Initiative. From Lumina Foundation, DVP-PRAXIS, and Equal Measure
“[Employers] offer knowledge of the trends and demands of industry, and can work with postsecondary institutions and partners to contribute to an attainment agenda. The commitment and contributions of employers have the potential to improve educational outcomes, create viable career pathways, and establish an economically vibrant region. ”
Goal 2025 Report: A scan or relevant local college readiness, access & completion data
A Report by the Florida College Access Network
“To build a prosperous future for all Floridians, education beyond high school is key...”
Summary
The Goal 2025 Report, prepared by Florida College Access Network in 2017, is an overall look at college readiness, access and completion in the Central Florida region (Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties).
Key Points
Quick facts (Pages 2-4)
Workforce change/demand (Page 5)
Attainment, by ethnicity & earnings (Pages 6-11)
Veteran info (Page 13)
High school grad. rates, classes & Bright Futures (Pages 14-21)
FAFSA Completion (Pages 22-23)
Post-secondary enrollment stats (Pages 24-32)
Higher ed. retention rates (Pages 34-37)
Summary
A qualitative study by the Committee for Economic Development from 2015 reviewing how employers promote educational attainment within their companies in select cities. Findings show that although tuition reimbursement is common, there are many challenges to companies in promoting education internally. The report suggests that connections between leaders in business and higher education is the first step in ensuring that the relationships are mutually beneficial.
Key points
Successful business practices (Page 7)
Why employers invest in employees' education (Pages 9-11)
Challenges facing employers (Pages 11-15)
Ways employers and higher ed can collaborate (Page 15-20)
Success through regional efforts (Pages 21-23)
The Role of Business in Promoting Educational Attainment: A National Imperative
A Report by the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board
Click here for summary
“The cost of increasing the postsecondary attainment of the workforce is high. However, the costs of not investing in more American workers to earn meaningful credentials that prepare them for family-sustaining work are even higher...”