Park Record
Park City and Wasatch Back News
A recently released impact report highlights the first-year success of Summit County’s Needs-Based Childcare Scholarship Program, demonstrating significant economic benefits and increased workforce stability.
The report found that every dollar invested in the program generated at least $3.13 in economic impact.
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, according to Upwards.
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. 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, 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 showed benefits for families and child care providers, according to Upwards:
Testimonials from families are included in the report. Some families said the program enabled them to continue living in Park City. Others said the program helped them secure long-term housing or access better quality care. Upwards provided some snapshot statistics:
These outcomes translate into substantial benefits for the local economy, according to Upwards. 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, according to the report. This totals to a minimum of $4.64 million in measurable economic impact. Comparing these benefits to the program’s initial funding yields a 213% return on investment, Upwards said.
Upwards noted that these figures are based on partial survey data, with responses from only 42% of families and 39% of providers.
“Access to affordable, quality childcare creates a flywheel effect on families and entire communities,” said Jessica Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards. “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.”
To read the full report, visit upwards.com/page/park-city-summit-county-impact-report.
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Winter 2024/25
The Park Record newspaper publishes twice weekly in Park City, Utah, and has been serving the Wasatch Back since 1880.
