Education and Career Advancement
Education is a cornerstone of economic security, and we are committed to breaking down barriers to advancement. We research student parents, career training opportunities through apprenticeships and workforce development, and other policies that reduce student debt and make college more accessible for women, particularly women of color.
Short-Term Credentials, Long-Term Impact: Making Skills-Based Education Work for Women
In early May, researchers, practitioners, and advocates came together at the National Skills Coalition’s (NSC) annual Skills Summit to discuss issues related to skills-based education—training programs that focus on developing specific skills or competencies (versus traditional educational programs requiring a certain number of credit hours, [...]
Cost, Coverage, and Contraception: How Policy Can Improve Access for Community College Students
Community college students face unique challenges in accessing contraception due to financial instability, lack of health insurance, and limited access to on-campus health services. This policy brief examines barriers to health care and contraceptive access, describes the impact of policies on affordability and access, [...]
Gender Disparities in Associate’s Degrees by Field of Study and Implications for Future Earnings
Research from IWPR shows how gender disparities in associate's degree attainment impact earnings. Women are more likely to earn degrees in fields with lower wages, and this updated fact sheet explores the latest data from the US Department of Education, examining trends in associate’s [...]
Advancing Equity in Attainment for Black Single Mothers in College: Understanding Their Needs and Supporting Their Success
As part of its broader Student Parent Success Initiative, IWPR conducted original research focusing specifically on Black single mother students. This report summarizes findings from 25 interviews IWPR conducted with Black single mother community college students, consisting of both students who were enrolled at [...]
