2379 research outputs found
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Financial Inclusion: Access to Basic Banking
Get PDFMillions of Americans remain unbanked or underbanked, disproportionately impacting Black, Hispanic, and immigrant communities due to public policies and systemic barriers. In 2021, The median wealth for Black households was 250,400 median wealth held by White households (Bennett et al). The Bank On initiative was developed to address financial inclusion and access to basic banking. It provides a promising intervention by promoting low-cost, no-overdraft bank accounts certified to meet national standards (CFE Fund, 2019). While Bank On has expanded throughout the United States, questions persist about the initiative’s equity, effectiveness, and sustainability.
This community project proposal explores the equity, effectiveness, and sustainability of the Bank On model. Using qualitative research methods, including a literature review, secondary data analysis, and stakeholder interviews, the study identifies persistent challenges such as continued structural barriers, mistrust of financial institutions, sustainability and capacity of the coalition, and a lack of disaggregated outcome data. This project also surfaces community- informed insights on trust-building, coalition governance, and the role of policy alignment in advancing financial inclusion. Findings suggest that while Bank On is a viable tool for connecting underserved individuals to mainstream economic systems, its impact is constrained without intentional equity metrics, community-based outreach, and sustainable infrastructure. It highlights the need for policy incentives and transparent evaluation practices to ensure that banking access translates into lasting financial inclusion
Technology Access, Training, and Affordability for African American Older Adults in the United States
Get PDFUse of technology in the form of internet services and devices such as smartphones, desktop computers, and laptops is a critical part of modern-day society. Yet adults 65 and older struggle to use them despite the ease of access. Older adults’ disengagement with technology is often related to a lack of fundamental knowledge of hardware and/or software, associated costs, and fear of what technology use will expose them to. The purpose of this capstone project was to gain an understanding of the areas of intimidation related to technology use among older adults and the various strategies employed by organizations to help them cross the digital divide and achieve comfort and functionality. Seven organizations were interviewed using a semi- structured interview process to explore areas of hesitation with technology use and specific strategies used to support older African Americans in using technology. Research findings show that fear was a primary factor in older adults’ disengagement with technology, but with support and guidance of organizations that provide training courses or one-on-one sessions, these adults’ use of technological devices improved as well as their confidence and quality of life. The findings are supported by the strategies that the organizations used to ensure support for the older adults in engaging them in technology use. Their strategies include free computer or device classes, access to devices, and education to equip older adults with the awareness and knowledge to avoid scams, identity thieves, and malware
The Motherhood Penalty: Examining the Wage Gap and Workplace Discrimination Against Working Mothers
Get PDFFor my capstone project I explored the motherhood penalty and examined the wage gap and workplace discrimination, specifically the wage gap for mothers of color. Also, I examined the importance of childcare to a family’s survival to be able to work. This study was conducted by gathering secondary data about how much childcare costs for black single moms, Hispanic Latino single moms, and white moms making minimum wage. I used the MIT wage calculator, Fiscal Year 2024 Child Care Financial Assistance Daily Reimbursement Rates from the Department of Early Education and Care, and The U.S. Census Bureau to collect the data. The data shows that mothers, and especially mothers of color, make much less than white mothers. Also, for mothers of color, the childcare costs take up more of their income. The data collected for this capstone project sheds light upon the wage disparities between mothers and nonmothers. The data further highlights the need for policies that are responsive to wage disparities rather than assuming a one size fits all with regards to childcare subsidies
Research, Resources, Relationships: A Roadmap to Building Intentional Family and Community Engagement
Get PDFThe purpose of this community workshop capstone project is to explore the role of educational institutions in fostering family and community engagement through research, resources, and relationship-building. Through a comprehensive workshop, this research seeks to equip educators and school staff with tools to better support families in crisis and improve student outcomes. The workshop highlighted the integration of practical resources like fuel assistance, mental health support, and housing resources into the educational framework to build trust and improve community engagement. This study examines the effectiveness of these resources in creating lasting partnerships, offering insights on how schools can serve as community hubs during times of need. Data collected from participant feedback indicates a strong appreciation for the relevance of the workshop and a renewed commitment to building intentional relationships with families
Consumer Behavior using iMotions
Get PDFOur project is about consumer behavior. We will be using the technology from Imotions to analyze consumer behavior in commercial Ads.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1003/thumbnail.jp
Brightview Senior Living Intergenerational Connections
Get PDFWe are working with Brightview Senior Living to create a connection between the Brightview Residents and the Merrimack College Students. To achieve this, we are implementing a weekly activity open to all students to attend that brings them closer with the senior population at Brightview.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1018/thumbnail.jp
How Do Merrimack Students Respond to Construction Noise on Their Campus?
Get PDFHow does the presence of environmental noise and aesthetic disruption influence college students? These students will conduct intensive interviews with a sample of Merrimack students. They seek to understand how they feel about the construction on campus and whether it serves as a distraction or cause for optimism.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1071/thumbnail.jp
Are Environmental Justice Communities Shifting in Response to Urban Development?
Get PDFThe Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has defined dozens of block groups throughout Lawrence, MA as Environmental Justice (EJ) communities based on the population meeting criteria pertaining to income, the proportion of minority groups, and the level of language isolation. Individuals with these characteristics are more exposed to environmental hazards due to systemic injustice and the need to select communities based on affordability. As urban development throughout the city causes increases in property values and the cost of living, do low-income, minority groups become displaced? Will the location of EJ communities shift? I am using data from the American Community Survey and statistical analysis to determine if such displacement is occurring, which will ultimately enable the Massachusetts DEP and any other relevant government actors to track the movement of EJ communities and provide for equitable opportunities.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1077/thumbnail.jp