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Can 'Work Colleges' in Cities Become a Low-Cost, High-Value Model for the Future?

Delece Smith-Barrow

July 26, 2018 |

Pacific Standard |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

Dallas' Paul Quinn College is changing the dated perception of work colleges. At the first urban and historically black work college, students are graded on both academic and workforce performance. In the next few years, Paul Quinn hopes to expand its model into a national network of schools, with the goal of introducing students to corporate connections and offering an alternative to overwhelming student debt.

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Indiana's free pre-K: Adored by parents, beset with growing pains

Mareesa Nicosia

July 26, 2018 |

The Hechinger Report |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Indianapolis, Indiana

Since 2014, low-income parents who enroll their children in Indiana's state grant program, On My Way Pre-K, have watched their students gain important literacy skills and self-confidence. However, only four percent of the state's qualifying four year olds currently participate in the initiative. Teachers are now brainstorming strategies to eliminate barriers to parents applying for the funding.

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Can't Afford a Lawyer?

Christie Thompson

July 19, 2018 |

The Marshall Project |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Albuquerque, Washington

Washington state is piloting an initiative to increase access to legal aid for low-income folks. For civil issues such as divorces or evictions, the state has “legal technicians,” which are licensed professionals who fall between attorneys and paralegals. Legal technicians offer services for a fraction of the cost. Other states are looking to scale the solution, such as Utah and Oregon, but there is also some pushback from attorneys’ groups.

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Developer tests a new way to fund housing for the homeless: private financing

Doug Smith

July 19, 2018 |

Los Angeles Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

In an attempt to increase housing for the homeless in L.A. in a financially sustainable way, FlyAway Homes has started several projects to build homeless housing supported by private investment. Fifty six investors will get a return, though not a large one, on the 9-unit property that will house 32 homeless individuals. This model is more efficient than when a non-profit organization builds homeless housing, and more properties under FlyAway Homes will show if the model is in fact sustainable.

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It Takes Consultation to Help a Village

Rachel Cernansky

July 17, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Liberia, Harlandville

To succeed at international development, consult the locals. It seems obvious, but too many failed development projects show community buy-in is not the biggest priority. Two groups are leading the way to change this. Village X and Spark MicroGrants rely on locals’ opinions to direct projects that are actually needed and desired, creating better long-term outcomes for the communities in which they operate.

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'I Know How Far I Can Go': Black Entrepreneurs Overcome Challenges In Brazil

Catherine Osborn

July 13, 2018 |

NPR |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Brazil, Salvador

A start-up accelerator in Salvador, Brazil is aiming to support black-owned businesses through its business incubator resources. Dende Valley, named as a nod to Silicon Valley, is an accelerator that prioritizes and trains black entrepreneurs to combat systemic racism and lack of opportunity in Brazil. There were 107 applicants for 30 spots this year, and the company expects to triple availability next year as people look to take advantage of their programs.

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Finding the Untapped Potential of Alleys

Lynn Freehill-Maye

July 13, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Miami, Florida

Redesigning an alley expands commercial space and brings life to a city. Long-neglected side streets across the United States are getting makeovers both by citizens and developers. Miami’s Jade Alley is a particularly showy example with its archways, flowering trees, ice cream shop, and lingerie boutique.

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Now Even Apartment Dwellers Can Use Solar Power

Kaya Laterman

July 12, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

New York opens up solar energy options to apartment owners who may not be able to install solar panels through community solar groups. These groups give apartment owners access to augmenting their energy supply with renewable energy gleaned from other parts of the city—with savings for the apartment dweller and a profit for the solar collector.

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When traditional banking isn't an option, try this out instead

Anne Hillman

July 11, 2018 |

Alaska Public Media |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Palmer, Alaska

In Alaska, the Knik Tribe’s Community Development Financial Institution is offering financial opportunities to individuals in low-income communities who wouldn't have them otherwise. The organization, and others like it, are working to retain families in rural Alaska while providing the financial resources necessary for them to succeed.

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Why this couple's wedding registry was devoted to paying off Philly kids' court costs

Samantha Melamed

July 10, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A couple created a nonprofit in Philadelphia to make micro grants for those who need small amounts to pay off medical bills or legal fees so they can move on with their lives. The effort garnered modest donations, including through their own wedding registry, and has made about 10 grants, but those have had significant impacts on recipients. The two acknowledge this is more like a bandaid, so they also partnered with a policy organization to work on wider systemic change.

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