More Bucks, More Graduates: The Educational Impacts of CCTs and Free Lunch Programs in the United States

Author: Cienna Mitchell

Field of Study: Political Science

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Will Glovinsky

Easel: 25

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) and universal in-kind transfer programs, such as free meal programs, have been discussed as tools to improve educational outcomes for students in the United States. While both programs aim to reduce hurdles that students may face, they rely on different strategies. CCTs provide families with cash support that is conditional on their children attending school, while in-kind transfer programs like free meal programs are unconditional and address issues such as food insecurity. Some experts see Conditional Cash Transfers as more effective because they provide parents a financial incentive to keep their children in school, while others believe free meal programs address daily needs that help students focus on their education. This paper reviews the literature on the educational impact of Conditional Cash Transfers and Universal In-kind programs with a focus on high school graduation rates in the United States.