Many Arizona families, particularly single mothers with young children, face substantial challenges in meeting their economic needs. Almost one in three (29%) children under age six in the state lives in poverty, putting them at risk for a host of future economic, health, and social concerns. Currently, the vast majority of Arizona low-income single mothers do not have any kind of post-secondary degree, which substantially limits their job prospects and earning potential. In order for these parents to pursue training and education for higher earning jobs, affordable childcare is crucial. However, childcare issues in Arizona are particularly pronounced. These factors, taken together, highlight an opportunity for two generation programs to transform the fate of many Arizona families. Short-term investment in targeted training programs coupled with childcare support for those engaged in these workforce development activities (known as a two-generation approach) could lead to longterm savings for the state and benefit for both mothers and their children.
This white paper, funded by the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, quantifies the benefit of investing in two years of training or education for low-income single mothers coupled with childcare to impact family economic independence and generate cost-savings for the state.
Kara Haberstock Tanoue 