IRP launches two new poverty studies initiatives with funding from The JPB Foundation

IRP is excited to announce the winners of two re-grant programs funded by The JPB Foundation aimed at expanding antipoverty research capacity. Through the Emerging Poverty Scholars Fellowships, IRP is supporting three rising stars in the academic world who are studying antipoverty policies and programs:

Each junior faculty member received $20,000 in flexible funding to support their career development. They also have been connected with a nationally renowned senior poverty scholar and have an opportunity to interact with a diverse set of scholars in IRP’s network.

IRP’s Researcher-Practitioner Evaluation Partnership Grants are funding two innovative evaluations, described below, that use administrative data to answer current policy questions.

  • A project led by Carolyn Heinrich and partners with Milwaukee Public Schools, is assessing the extent to which digital learning prepares students for postsecondary education and labor market success and whether digital learning reduces or increases gaps by race and socioeconomic status in longer-term outcomes.
  • A project led by Hilary Hoynes and partners with California Department of Social Services, is evaluating the use of text messages as behavioral nudges to encourage take-up of the recently expanded California Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and evaluating whether simplifying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP recertification requirements can reduce the rate at which families cycle on and off assistance, and increase their employment and earnings.

An additional competition for both programs is expected in 2019.