Effects of Youth Savings Accounts on School Attendance and Academic Performance: Evidence from a Youth Savings Experiment
Ansong, D.; Chowa, G.; Masa, R.; Despard, M.; Sherraden, M.; Wu, S.; Osei-Akoto, I.
Journal of Family and Economic Issues 40(2): 269-281
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1058-0476 Document Number: 690620
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 Youth Save 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 Youth Save 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.