Samaschool is a nonprofit focused on preparing low to moderate income job seekers to succeed as independent workers. Their flagship program is an 8 hour course on how to succeed as a freelancer.
They've recently released the first two of a three part series of white papers called The Future of Work is Independent.
The first report, A Primer on Independent Work, provides an excellent overview of the gig economy and independent work, including a comprehensive review of recent gig economy studies. It's well worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the confusing world of gig economy data.
The second report, How Low Income Job Seekers Use Independent Work, looks at the financial impact of their program and provides data from a survey of program alumni.
As the study chart below shows (click to enlarge), Samaschool program grads report earning an average of $21 per hour working independently.
We've long believed there is a strong connection between targeted training and independent worker success. The research by Samaschool shows this to be true.
More exciting is Samaschool is planning to expand. Key quote from the report on their 2018 priorities:
• Scaling our program to reach more people, given strong income results and favorable attitudes toward independent work, through partnerships with workforce systems, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions
• Continuing to collect data to build an understanding of the long-term implications of independent work among low-income job seekers to inform workforce development systems and strategies
• Advocating for protections and supports for independent workers at the federal, state, and local levels
The expansion of Samaschool's training program will no doubt improve the financial lives of many.
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