Effects of Youth Savings Accounts on School Attendance and Academic Performance: Evidence from a Youth Savings Experiment

Date
2018Author
Ansong, David
Chowa, Gina
Masa, Rainier
Despard, Mathieu
Sherraden, Michael
Wu, Shiyou
Osei-Akoto, Isaac
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Abstract
Asset-accumulation interventions are promising tools for promoting better educational outcomes. However, little is known about the educational effects of youth-owned assets, particularly in resource-limited countries. The Ghana YouthSave Experiment established a rigorous foundation for exploring youth responses when offered opportunities to save for their education. This study uses data from 2000 junior high YouthSave participants, who were randomly assigned to one of two treatments (in-school or local bank access) or the control group. Treatment effects on school attendance and academic performance are examined using difference-in-difference estimation with bootstrapped standard errors. Treatment effects were significant for attendance but not performance. Findings suggest longer posttreatment follow-up is needed for effects to manifest. This study demonstrates the potential of asset-accumulation programs to contribute to improved behavioral outcomes, and offers insights for the integration of financial capability programs in youth development policies.
Citation
Ansong, D., Chowa, G., Masa, R. et al. Effects of Youth Savings Accounts on School Attendance and Academic Performance: Evidence from a Youth Savings Experiment. J Fam Econ Iss 40, 269–281 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-018-9604-5DOI
10.1007/s10834-018-9604-5More details
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10834-018-9604-5Rights holder
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