The Center for Working Families (CWF) approach at community colleges brings together access to a full range of essential economic supports in a convenient location to help families build self-sufficiency, stabilize their finances, and move ahead. The CWF approach is especially important for low-income students who face financial hurdles. Many simply cannot afford to stay in school--whether it is because continuing would mean giving up employment, paying the bills, or responding to a crisis. And too often, the financial assistance that is available often is difficult to access—it is located in multiple places at the college, or in many cases may not be offered at all. CWFs reach students where they are by responding to multiple economic challenges. The approach combines what community colleges do so well—provide individuals with training that connects them to dynamic careers—with the financial support necessary to complete education and connect with a career path.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) developed and is promoting the CWF approach nationally through its leadership and strategic financial investments. MDC currently manages the CWF Community College Learning Network, now comprised of 17 colleges nationally that are implementing their own CWF approaches.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) developed and is promoting the CWF approach nationally through its leadership and strategic financial investments. MDC currently manages the CWF Community College Learning Network, now comprised of 17 colleges nationally that are implementing their own CWF approaches.