Wisconsin Promise Overview

Wisconsin is one of six sites participating in the U.S. Department of Education’s demonstration of a promising path to success for youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Wisconsin PROMISE will help youth and their families meet their school and work goals in order to better their income and financial stability, reducing poverty.

Wisconsin Promise will enroll 2,000 youth (between the ages of 14-16) receiving SSI and their families. Families who participate in the study will receive $30 in gift cards.  A computer will assign participants to one of two groups based on chance, like a lottery.

  • 1,000 youth and their families will be randomly assigned to the “program group,” enrolled in Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services, and offered a variety of activities including exploring career and education opportunities, help finding a job that matches their interests and abilities, help achieving education goals, and counseling on benefits and personal finances.  Youth and their families in the program group will receive a computer tablet (a choice between two options) and data plan. Supports and services will also be available to family members.
  • 1,000 youth and their families will be in the “usual services group” and continue to access the typically available services and supports. They will not receive any extra benefits.

Eligible youth and families will receive letters notifying of grant eligibility and enrollment information. Wisconsin Promise Intake Coordinators (PICs) located around the state will be available to assist youth and families with the enrollment process.

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