Rutgers Study Shows Promising Results When Single Working Poor Mothers 
Use Laptop Computers at Home

A December, 2003, study of a New Jersey online learning program for 
low-income single mothers delivered by laptop computers, has discovered 
stunning completion rates and positive earnings gains. "Findings from 
the Field: Early Findings of the New Jersey Online Learning Project for 
Single Working-Poor Mothers" prepared by Dr. Mary Gatta, at the Center 
for Women and Work at the School of Management and Labor Relations at 
Rutgers University, reports that:

"There was a very high retention rate in the program, with 92% (117) of 
the 128 participants completing the program.  In addition, the 
participants in the program experienced an average  annual wage 
increase of 14 percent, and several of the participants enrolled in 
other educational programs (such as community college and college 
program).  Perhaps most importantly, all the women emphatically 
reported that they would not have been able to complete a training 
program if it were not available at home."

(From  "Increasing Access to Education and Skills Training for 
Low-Income Single Mothers: Online Learning as Training Policy"  by Dr. 
Mary Gatta, Director, Workforce Policy and Research, Center for Women 
and Work  )

According to Dr. Gatta,  working single mothers are among the fastest 
growing groups in poverty, as are their children.

Although not for everyone, this model appears to have promise for women 
who want to return to school (Adult secondary education or college) or 
improve their work situation, who may not have the high school, college 
preparation or job-related skills they need, but who do have at least a 
foundation of basic skills and a high school diploma or GED, who are 
highly motivated, and self-disciplined, and who are comfortable using 
computers.

The study  is available at  http://www.cww.rutgers.edu

David J. Rosen
djrosen at comcast.net