Ways to Work Research and Studies
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This area of our site contains the reports from evaluations of the Ways to Work program.
The 2007 Credit Score Impact Study presents the results of the analysis conducted in response to a series of questions regarding the change in credit scores experienced by WtW borrowers following program participation. The answers offer important insights into the impact of participation in the WtW program on credit scores. A full, PDF copy of the study may be accessed by clicking on the button to the right labeled “2007 Credit Score Study”.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the WtW program model has been validated by a 2006 external evaluation of the WtW national network, conducted by the OMG Center for Collaborative Learning (OMG). The WtW evaluation documented a notable and statistically significant set of outcomes for program participants in multiple areas of interest. Summarized in the table below, these outcomes are linked to the $2,400 to $2,500 worth of support services that WtW provides to each client.
Selected Outcomes from the WtW 2006 Evaluation and from the 2007 Credit Score Study follow. (Click on the titles in the previous sentence to access the full documents.)
Income and Self-Sufficiency
- Almost three-quarters of participants report higher net monthly income
- Borrowers average a 41% increase in income (take-home pay)
- 87% of borrowers continue to sustain themselves without public cash assistance despite receiving it before entering the program
Employment
- 90% of borrowers report their WtW car allowed them to maintain or improve their employment circumstances
- 55% have found more responsibility or higher pay
Education
- 50% of borrowers accessed further education or job training thanks to their WtW car
Credit Score Improvement
- WtW clients show credit score improvement during and after their participation in the program
Departure from Predatory Lending
- Two-thirds of all borrowers have initiated a new account (checking, savings, credit card) or obtained a new loan since receiving their WtW loan
Care of Children
- Nearly all borrowers find that the car enhances their ability to make sure their children get to school on time, take them to medical appointments, and access better child care services