Misericordia Program for Mothers, Children Celebrates 25 Years of Breaking Barriers 

Misericordia University’s Women with Children Program is celebrating its 25-year anniversary.

It is one of only eight programs in the United States, and the only one in Pennsylvania, that allows for economically disadvantaged single mothers to live on campus with their children as they earn college degrees.

The program provides childcare, housing, and scholarship assistance for qualifying students.

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Analysis Finds Racial Bias in Philadelphia Home Appraisals

A new analysis conducted by the Reinvestment Fund shows that home appraisals in predominantly Black neighborhoods in Philadelphia are often placed lower than market value.

This makes it harder for potential home buyers to get mortgages and for homeowners to leverage home equity.

This article discusses analysis findings and racial bias in appraising homes in the Greater Philadelphia region. 

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Spotlight PA's Study to Assess Potential for Community Newsroom in Lehigh Valley

Spotlight PA is currently conducting a needs assessment of the potential value of a new community newsroom in the Lehigh Valley.

Spotlight PA is holding listening sessions, deploying surveys, and studying funding avenues.

The community newsroom, which would focus on public-service journalism, would further the goal of filling local information gaps and bring more unbiased new coverage to communities. 



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Five Proposals to Make Government Spending on Transportation More Efficient

Across the United States, transportation spending is large but struggles with efficiency.

Reforms for transportation and infrastructure spending that improve outcomes and maintain environmental, and safety standards are a key aspect of productive transportation processes.

Brookings Research explores five proposals for efficient transportation spending that highlight priorities and impact construction. 

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Raising Wages to Boost Child Care Supply

One factor behind high turnover and disparities in quality in early childhood care is low wages.

Local and state policies that increase compensation for directors, teacher, and care support staff are vital to maximizing success and sustainability in early childhood careers.

The Urban Institute explains how to consider raising wages when expanding childcare worker supply. 

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How One State Changed High School to Reflect that Not Everyone Goes to College 

Indiana has redesigned its high school graduation system to better reflect contemporary post-graduation career paths, as more students decline to pursue higher education.

The newly in-effect Indiana Diploma gives one basic diploma to all students, with additional seals aligned with different pathways, such as college, workforce, credentials, and military enrollment.

Seals come with special courses, work-based learning, and hands-on opportunities.  



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