02 Sep Social Impact and ROI Report: Every $1 of Cell-Ed Learning = $55 Social ROI
Social impact is that which is measured beyond GDP, financial reports, economic impact, or Guidestar metrics. It includes the impact on quality of life and is valued based on how it improves the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and nations.
We can usually recognize the value of something that has a social impact, but measuring the precise dollar value is another matter altogether. We might be compelled to ignore the need for accurate ROI assessments when it comes to social impact, but these measurements are essential when it comes to acquiring future funding to create farther-reaching change. Investments need to be monetized for justification, and money can be spent where it does the most good.
Recently, an independent study from ProSocial Valuation was released that measured and evaluated the dollar value of the gain adult workers experienced after using Cell-Ed’s essential skills courses (e.g., literacy, reading, and math) over any mobile device in 2020, as well as the company’s broader social impact. The report found that for every $1 invested in Cell-Ed, $55 in social ROI was created, placing a dollar value on Cell-Ed’s ability to widely benefit workers and society.
Nearly 90 percent of the study’s 5,000 Cell-Ed participants were people of color and 60 percent were women, with an average age of 41. Cell-Ed’s gained a 94% approval rating from study participants, and Cell-Ed’s courses average a 75% participant completion rate, vs. 20% for other online classes.
Independent researchers calculated how study participants benefited from Cell-Ed’s courses and coaches in 2020, which led to:
- Higher wages ($10.5 million)
- Increased employment ($1.4 million)
- Positive education and economic benefits for their children ($10.8 million)
- Increased volunteerism ($0.5 million)
- Decreased incarceration ($0.2 million)
All in all, the total value of social impact created by Cell-Ed in 2020 came to $30 million, and the ProSocial ROI amounted to $30.3 million with every one dollar invested in Cell-Ed resulting in $55 in ROI.
“As ever, we are impressed and inspired by our learners’ gains and elated that this has been further quantified,” said Jessica Rothenberg-Aalami, CEO of Cell-Ed. “This evidence-based, data-driven research from ProSocial Valuation paints a broader picture of the total value our learners and Cell-Ed create together while providing an additional third-party proof point for all those we work with. We will continue to execute on our core principles of listening to what our learners tell us and delivering exactly what they ask for.”
GET THE SUMMARY REPORT to view a recap of the methodology and findings of the Return-On-Purpose, Social ROI, and Social Impact report, which was funded by Strada Education Network, a nonprofit social impact organization dedicated to improving lives by forging pathways between education and employment. Strada is an investor in Cell-Ed.