Employment Equity for Single Moms Program Helps Moms Thrive

We Know What Works

Through MLICCI’s Employment Equity for Single Moms (EESM) program, we have improved economic security for hundreds of single moms by linking them to child care assistance and working with them to utilize workforce resources to move into higher paying occupations. We also have learned that many single moms cannot participate in education/training required for higher paying jobs if it means quitting their current low paying job and going without income.

Single Moms Need Pathways to Higher Wage Employment

MLICCI partnered with the Moore Community House Women in Construction program to pilot an earn and learn class where we put together the package of supports we know single moms need: child care assistance, free & short-term training leading to higher wage jobs, transportation stipends, as well as income while completing training. This approach increased the number of applicants, improved attendance, increased graduation rates, and resulted in higher paying employment upon graduation.

We are now working to promote this strategy across Mississippi’s workforce and child care systems.

Graduates share what a difference this earn and learn pilot made in their ability to take the class and, indeed, in their lives, demonstrating that earn and learn is an effective and holistic strategy to help women and single mom families achieve sustainable economic security.