Public Policy Associates, Inc. (PPA) is partnering with UnidosUS on a workforce development project to create career opportunities and improve banking services to Latino customers in five U.S. cities.
UnidosUS selected PPA and Gutierrez Consulting Partnerships, LLC, to conduct a culturally appropriate process evaluation of Latinos in Finance. The program will provide lifelong career pathways for Latino and non-Latino workers in the commercial banking industry.
PPA and Gutierrez Consulting Partnerships will provide an in-depth analysis of the implementation of Latinos in Finance. PPA researchers designed the evaluation to provide UnidosUS with baseline data to measure program outcomes over time.
“The program has multiple beneficiaries,” said PPA Project Manager Dr. Nancy McCrohan.
“The banks have a wider pool of candidates for entry-level positions who have extensive training before they walk in the door. Trainees are offered the opportunity for exceptional preparation for banking careers,” Dr. McCrohan said. “And bank customers are working with highly qualified, Spanish-speaking tellers who make Latino consumers feel welcome.”
The research findings will be compiled in a user-friendly report that will serve as a best practices model. It will include individual profiles for the five program sites.
The project will assess the Latinos in Finance initiative in Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle, Washington D.C., and Lawrence, MA.
PPA excels at conducting culturally appropriate research to help clients ensure that policies and programs are equitable and that address the needs of disadvantaged communities. For more information about PPA’s work, contact Dr. McCrohan at nmccrohan@publicpolicy.com or 517-485-4477. 