Upwards released an impact assessment on Apr. 22 for the second year of the Park City and Summit County Needs-Based Child Care Scholarship Programs, showing increased enrollment and a strong economic return. The report states that the programs served 162 families and 186 children through 32 care providers, marking a 30% increase over the first year. For every dollar invested, $4.25 in measurable economic value was realized, representing a 325% return on a two-year investment of $1.56 million.
The findings highlight the importance of accessible child care for workforce stability and community well-being. By providing financial assistance to families earning at or below area median income, with subsidies up to $1,700 per month per child, the programs have helped families manage costs while supporting local providers.
Survey data from Year 2 show that nearly all participating families experienced cost relief and many gained access to higher-quality care. Parents noted improvements in their children’s speech, social-emotional skills, language learning, and cognitive development. Providers reported high satisfaction with payments and support; most increased or maintained enrollment.
Workforce outcomes were also significant: most surveyed families either gained or kept employment due to program support. Additional benefits included reduced work absences for parents, more hours worked by some participants, improved job stability for others, and some even earned promotions as a result of reliable child care access. These outcomes generated an estimated $6.61 million in total economic value—combining sustained family earnings with avoided employer turnover costs—as detailed in Upwards’ report.
Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey said: “For many local families and members of our workforce, the lack of affordable child care is a major driver of economic instability… This report shows that the Council’s commitment is making a meaningful difference for those who need it most.” Summit County Council Chair Canice Harte added: “To see 162 families with greater stability, better employment outcomes, and children thriving is exactly what we hoped for when we launched this program… We’re proud to be part of a model that other communities across the country are now looking to replicate.” Jessica Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards said: “Park City and Summit County have proven that child care support removes a real barrier for families and creates measurable prosperity for entire communities… Now Utah employers have an opportunity to extend this impact… businesses can support their workforce and see real returns—just like Park City and Summit County have demonstrated.”
The programs have received national attention as models other communities may follow; they were featured by PBS Utah in June 2025 and recognized by organizations such as the National League of Cities’ Prenatal-to-Three Impact Lab cohort starting February 2026.
Summit County enriches community life by promoting natural beauty and economic diversity according to its official website. The county maintains administrative facilities including courthouse complexes for efficient operations according to its official website, serves as an independent political subdivision under Utah law per its official website, aims to deliver services enhancing health, safety, welfare according to its official website, has legislative guidance provided by its council per its official website, derives its name from high peaks in Uinta Mountains serving as headwaters for four major rivers as detailed on its official site, was founded in northern Utah in 1854 offering key services such as public safety transportation community support according to its official website.
