Public libraries have long been pillars of community education, digital access, and civic engagement—but in Texas, they’re also an impressive engine of economic return.
Project Quest Delivers Big on Workforce Training
A comprehensive 14-year study has highlighted the significant economic benefits of Project QUEST, a San Antonio-based workforce development program established in 1992. The research indicates that participants experienced an average income increase of $54,000 over the study period, with those aged between 35 and 64 seeing gains of nearly $139,000 compared to a control group. This translates to a 234% return on investment, considering the average program cost of $16,244 per participant.
Childhood Education Boosts Long-term Growth
Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that every $1 invested in quality early childhood programs generates $4 to $16 in returns. The earlier we act, the greater the impact—for kids, families, businesses and communities.