Measuring Two-Generation Effects of Capital IDEA Program Participation

The purpose of this research is to determine whether parental participation in Capital IDEA increased the share of participants’ children who completed high school and entered college upon graduation, and furthermore whether that participation increased the share of children who persist in and complete college. Additionally, this research examines whether participation in Capital IDEA enhances the parent/child relationship in ways that may increase the future likelihood of high school graduation and college enrollment among younger children. By matching student outcome data to parents participating in Capital IDEA programs, this project will contribute to the field of education by assessing whether or not particular program characteristics among Capital IDEA participants had a strong effect on the educational outcomes of their children, who were enrolled in greater Austin area high schools and graduated between 2006 and 2012. Little is known about the effects on older children of participation in education and training programs that lead to enhanced career advancement and improved earnings for parents. Findings that children of Capital IDEA participants had stronger educational attainment outcomes than their comparison group counterpart peers would indicate that two-generation strategies may be an effective strategy to close achievement gaps.