A Letter and Encouragement: Does Information Increase Post-Secondary Enrollment of UI Recipients?

65 Pages Posted: 2 Jun 2017

See all articles by Andrew Barr

Andrew Barr

Texas A&M University

Sarah E. Turner

University of Virginia; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: June 1, 2017

Abstract

For individuals who experience job loss, enrollment in post-secondary programs may provide an opportunity to improve future employment outcomes. However, decisions to enroll may be hampered by insufficient information about the benefits and costs and the necessary steps and assistance available to facilitate such investments. Using variation in the dissemination and timing of letters sent to UI recipients containing this information, we find that individuals sent the information are 40% more likely to enroll. These findings suggest that well-coordinated information interventions delivered with institutional support may be more effective than raising the generosity of existing government programs in increasing participation.

Suggested Citation

Barr, Andrew and Turner, Sarah E., A Letter and Encouragement: Does Information Increase Post-Secondary Enrollment of UI Recipients? (June 1, 2017). CESifo Working Paper Series No. 6459, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2978539

Andrew Barr (Contact Author)

Texas A&M University

Langford Building A
798 Ross St.
College Station, TX 77843-3137
United States

Sarah E. Turner

University of Virginia ( email )

Curry School of Education
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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