Merging finance and social impact to make a better world
Educational attainment rate per capita
Investing in early childhood education has long been advocated as a strategy to enhance economic efficiency and reduce social disparities. A seminal study on this topic is “The Rate of Return to the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program,” which offers an in-depth analysis of the economic benefits derived from early intervention programs targeting disadvantaged youth.
Higher education is a critical pathway to economic mobility, yet many students, particularly those from underserved communities, struggle to complete their degrees. The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) has emerged as a game-changing initiative, significantly increasing college graduation rates and providing a scalable model for nationwide replication.
According to a national study conducted by the Institute for Social Research and the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs returns $9.60 in benefits to communities. This return on investment (ROI) is driven by higher academic achievement, lower crime rates, reduced substance abuse, and increased earnings for club members and their families. Let’s explore the key reasons why Boys & Girls Clubs are transforming lives and creating lasting social and economic impact.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference’s report, “Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota,” reveals the Church’s substantial contributions to the state’s economy and social fabric, with an annual economic impact exceeding $5 billion.
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.