A newly released impact report highlights the first-year success of the Needs-Based Childcare Scholarship Program, demonstrating significant economic benefits and increased workforce stability. Administered by Upwards and funded by Park City with a $1 million investment and Summit County with $485,000, the program has enabled 125 local families with 150 children to afford quality childcare, while supporting the sustainability of 28 local child care businesses. The report finds that every dollar invested in the program generated at least $3.13 in economic impact, delivering a strong return for the community.
Launched in January 2024 in Park City and expanded to Summit County in June 2024, the Needs-Based Child Care Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to families with children up to kindergarten age. To ensure the full funds invested by the city and county were going to families, Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Alliance covered all administrative fees. To be eligible, families must have household incomes below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Resident families qualify for scholarships up to $1,700 per month to help cover the cost of childcare, after contributing a minimum of 10% of their income and applying for any state benefits (DWS), if eligible. On average, in the first year of the program, resident families in Park City received $471.85 per month, while resident families in Summit County received $787.39 per month.
A survey conducted by Upwards in December 2024 and January 2025 reveals tangible benefits for families and child care providers:
- 79% of families reported significant relief from financial stress.
- 60% of parents were able to select a child care provider they could not have otherwise afforded.
- 82% of participating child care providers experienced increased enrollment.
This transformative impact is evident in testimonials from families included in the report. For some families, it meant being able to stay in Park City—something they thought was no longer possible. Others shared how the program helped them secure long-term housing or access better quality care. For many, it meant the ability to remain employed, pursue a promotion, or unlock greater financial opportunities for their families:
- 60% of participants maintained continuous employment.
- 32% rejoined the workforce.
- 80% of unemployed participants found new jobs within three months.
- 31% of parents reported the program helped them stay employed.
- 44% of parents reported taking on extra work hours.
These outcomes translate into substantial benefits for the local economy. The program generated an estimated annual economic value of $1.84 million, based on the number of families retaining employment or rejoining the workforce. Additionally, the program contributed to $2.76 million in avoided turnover costs for local employers. The ability of parents to take on extra work hours generated an estimated $43,355 in additional economic value. This totals to a minimum of $4.64 million in measurable economic impact. Comparing these benefits to the program's initial funding yields a remarkable 213% return on investment.
Importantly, these figures are based on partial survey data, with responses from only 42% of families and 39% of providers. The full impact of the program is likely greater when considering the broader economic ripple effect, long-term career benefits for parents, and increased tax revenue.
“Access to affordable, quality childcare creates a flywheel effect on families and entire communities. At Upwards, we partner with communities across the country to implement successful and efficient childcare assistance programs, helping families thrive and driving economic growth. The Needs-Based Childcare Scholarship Program in Park City and Summit County exemplifies this positive change. We're incredibly proud of the program's impact in its first year," said Jessica Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards.
The program plays a vital role in supporting Park City’s tourism and hospitality-based economy by providing support to the workforce.
Additionally, by helping families access state childcare assistance (DWS), the program has successfully connected people with existing state resources and reduced financial strain on local government, resulting in $262,752 in cost savings.
To read the full report, please visit www.upwards.com/page/park-city-summit-county-impact-report.
About Upwards:
Upwards (formerly WeeCare) is a technology-driven care solutions company with a mission to make care accessible to all families and empower the caregivers who provide it. Upwards brings together families, care providers, employers, and governments to create new care avenues in real-time and utilizes a data-driven approach to enhance the supply and capacity of the care system. Upwards matches families with caregivers equipped to meet their unique needs and connects families with the resources they need to afford care, whether through government subsidies or workplace benefits. To learn more, visit upwards.com.
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