Why Incentives Are Critical for Making an Impact in Low-Income Communities
A tray of pan dulce or an Amazon gift card might seem like a simple incentive for participants attending one of our digital literacy or after-school programs. However, we consider incentives like these crucial for attendance and retention in the communities we serve.
Funders often consider extras such as food, gift cards, or stipends non-essential. Our leadership team, who volunteer their time overseeing many of our programs, often chooses to cover some expenses out of their own pockets, fully aware of the critical role these costs play in driving participation and engagement.
Through our fieldwork over the past five years serving low-income communities, we’ve learned that incentives are essential tools that can address immediate needs—such as hunger and financial hardship—to allow individuals to fully engage in educational and community initiatives without the burden of choosing between essential survival and personal development.
“I’ve had people tell me they would love to attend our program, but they’d have to take time off of work or pay for transportation and they can’t afford to do that.”
-Lionel Rodriguez, Director of Operations
The Importance of Incentives in Low-Income Communities
Members of our team have found that an incentive can be a make or break for an individual to take the time to attend an event or program.
“The snacks we provide at some of our programs are the first meal some of our participants have had for the day,” says Director of Operations Lionel Rodriguez, “I’ve had people tell me they would love to attend our program, but they’d have to take time off of work or pay for transportation and they can’t afford to do that. A stipend or gift card could help offset that.”
Case Study: Stipends Encourage Participation and Retention
One of our recent summer camp initiatives took place in the Village of Summit, IL, a majority LatinX community with a median household income of just under $49K as of the last US Census. We offered a $500 stipend for students who completed all six weeks of camp, which resulted in a retention rate of 100% after the second week.
When taking our exit survey, a quarter of the participants cited the stipend as their primary motivation for attending. The stipend was a secondary motivator for over half of the remaining participants, who listed other reasons as their primary motivators.
“We know from our work in Summit that most students of working age are also contributing to household expenses,” says our Founder & CEO, Caroline Sanchez Crozier, who grew up in the area, ”That’s why we make these incentives the focus of our marketing campaigns because this is what makes the difference in getting students to attend.”
”That’s why we make these incentives the focus of our marketing campaigns because this is what makes the difference in getting students to attend.”
-Caroline Sanchez Crozier, Founder & CEO
Addressing Funding Challenges for Incentives
One of the most significant challenges we face in securing funding for incentives such as food, gift cards, and stipends is the widespread misconception that these are non-essential or supplementary to the core mission of our programs. This perception often leads to funding bodies prioritizing direct program costs—such as curriculum development or instructional materials.
The misconception that incentives are “extras” overlooks their critical role in ensuring that participants from low-income communities can attend and fully engage in our programs. For many, attending a program means missing work and other income-generating opportunities. Some participants might be unable to attend due to lack of transportation even though they are willing and able. Incentives like stipends or meal provisions are not just perks; they are vital supports that remove these barriers, allowing participants to focus on their learning and development.
We Need Your Help in Disrupting the Tech Status Quo
As we advance our mission of empowering Latinx communities, incentives play a crucial role. These supports—whether in the form of food, gift cards, or stipends—help break down barriers and ensure full participation in our programs.
We are currently running several initiatives that would greatly benefit from both financial and in-kind donations.
- Our Digital Literacy Programs, held at libraries and partner organizations across Illinois, provide individuals with the technology skills they need for career growth and everyday tasks. Private donations would provide food and gift cards for working adults who might need to take time away from work to attend or need transportation.
- Our STEM programming in Illinois suburbs empowers the next generation of tech leaders by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Private donations would provide stipends to encourage participation and food for snack breaks and parent engagement events.
Here’s How You Can Help
- Financial Donation: With private donations, we can allocate funds to incentives usually excluded from the grants that fund some of our programs. Donate HERE.
- In-kind donations: Donating food, gift cards, or supplies directly contributes to the success of these programs by removing barriers that often prevent individuals from participating. It also serves as a great way to market your business while supporting a good cause—a win-win! Send us a message HERE about in-kind donations.
- Spread the Word: If you’re not able to give a monetary donation at this time, spreading the word through your network and local businesses that may be in a position to contribute is a great way to help us achieve our mission. Copy the URL in your browser and share this page with a friend or post it to social media.
Finally, we call on larger funding bodies to recognize the unique challenges faced by the Latinx community and to consider the role incentives play in overcoming these barriers. By funding these essential supports, you invest not only in the success of individual participants but also in the broader goal of digital equity and community empowerment.
Together, we can make a lasting impact. Let’s ensure that no one is left behind simply because they lack the resources to participate. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Stay Connected
- Join our mailing list for updates on our work in education, workforce, and community.
- Be sure to follow us on social media for more immediate updates! We’re active on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!