ACF-OCS-CSBG-DCL-25-07 Collaborative on Economic Mobility Research Report
Community Services Block Grant
Dear Colleague Letter
DCL#: ACF-OCS-CSBG-DCL-24-07
DATE: December 31, 2024
TO: CSBG Network
SUBJECT: Collaborative on Economic Mobility Research Report
ATTACHMENT(S): Not Applicable
Dear Colleague,
The purpose of this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is to announce the release of the Collaborative on Economic Mobility (CEM) Research Report. This report highlights emerging and promising practices that can enhance economic mobility for individuals, families, and communities experiencing poverty and was produced as part of phase one of the Office of Community Services’ (OCS’) CEM[1] cooperative agreement with the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP).
The CEM cooperative agreement seeks to bolster the capacity of CSBG-eligible entities to strengthen existing or pilot innovative economic mobility practices. During the initial phase of the CEM cooperative agreement, NCAP focused on research. Through a literature review, outreach to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) network, engagement with subject matter experts in economic mobility, and an analysis of historic and current policies and practices, NCAP identified barriers related to economic mobility for individuals and families accessing services funded by CSBG.
The report offers several recommendations to enhance economic mobility in areas such as workforce development, high-quality education, community asset building, two-generational and whole-family approaches, and visionary community programs and organizations. The report serves as the foundation for the remainder of the collaborative, which will include the release of several training and technical assistance tools to support the dissemination of knowledge and implementation of recommended practices. OCS encourages the CSBG network to utilize this report to inform planning for CSBG-related service delivery strategies.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS partners.
/s/
Cheryl Zuni
Interim Director, Division of Community Assistance
Office of Community Services