A college education increases the likelihood of higher lifetime earnings, social mobility, and long-term job security. According to research from the UChicago Consortium of School Research, nearly 70 percent of high school freshmen in Chicago say attending college is of high importance to them. However, inequities in the education system and other systemic barriers prevent students from accessing resources and guidance to navigate the complex college application process. 

Chicago-based nonprofit OneGoal targets  barriers to higher education by providing support for students in achieving their postsecondary goals. The organization uses a three-year model that supports students from high school through the first year of postsecondary education.  

The Inclusive Economy Lab partnered with OneGoal and Chicago Public Schools to examine the long-term effects of participating in OneGoal programming. The Lab is also working with OneGoal on a multi-year, randomized controlled trial that will provide even stronger causal evidence of OneGoal’s impact on students’ academic outcomes during and after program participation. 

OneGoal Report 2022 OneGoal One-Sheet 2022 OneGoal Press Release 2022