Upwards released a comprehensive impact assessment today for the second year of the Park City and Summit County Needs-Based Child Care Scholarship Programs, revealing significant gains in enrollment and community-wide economic returns. The programs served 162 families and 186 children through 32 care providers, marking 30% growth over Year 1. The results demonstrate a compelling return: for every dollar invested, the community realized $4.25 in measurable economic value, reflecting a 325% return on the cumulative $1.56 million two-year investment.
Launched in January 2024 in Park City and expanded to Summit County in June 2024, the programs provide financial assistance to families earning at or below 100% of Area Median Income, with subsidies capped at $1,700 monthly per child. Families residing in Park City averaged $823.07 per child per month in Year 2, while families residing in Summit County averaged $899.89 per child per month. Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Alliance absorbs all administrative costs, ensuring 100% of public funds support families and providers.
Year 2 survey data reveals measurable improvements: 98% of families experienced cost relief, and 65% gained access to higher-quality care. Parents reported children making tangible progress in speech, social-emotional skills, language learning, and cognitive development. Among providers, 83% increased or maintained enrollment, with 100% reporting strong satisfaction with payments and support.
The programs enabled workforce stability and advancement: 83% of surveyed families gained or maintained employment, with the remaining families pursuing education, self-employment, seasonal work, or pathways back into the workforce. Additionally, 40% of families reduced work absences, 29% increased hours, 25% improved job stability, and 8% earned promotions. These outcomes generated $6.61 million in economic value—$2.63 million in sustained family earnings, $3.95 million in avoided turnover costs for employers, and $33,930 in productivity gains. Survey responses from 30% of families served suggest the full community impact likely exceeds these conservative estimates. Notably, Year 2 participants accessed approximately $193,932 in state DWS subsidies through program coordination.
“For many local families and members of our workforce, the lack of affordable child care is a major driver of economic instability,” said Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey. “This report shows that the Council’s commitment is making a meaningful difference for those who need it most.”
“To see 162 families with greater stability, better employment outcomes, and children thriving is exactly what we hoped for when we launched this program,” Summit County Council Chair Canice Harte said. “Summit County’s investment in child care is an investment in our community as a whole. We’re proud to be part of a model that other communities across the country are now looking to replicate.”
The programs have earned national recognition as a replicable model. PBS Utah featured the initiative in June 2025, and the National League of Cities selected Park City as one of 16 municipalities nationwide for its Prenatal-to-Three Impact Lab, a nine-month learning cohort launched February 2026, among other recognitions. The programs have strengthened both jurisdictions’ capacity to retain workers across hospitality, tourism, and service sectors critical to the regional economy.
“Park City and Summit County have proven that child care support removes a real barrier for families and creates measurable prosperity for entire communities,” said Jessica Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards. “After two years, the pattern is clear and replicable. Now, Utah employers have an opportunity to extend this impact. With new federal and state employer-sponsored child care tax credits offering up to an 80% return on investment, businesses can support their workforce and see real returns—just like Park City and Summit County have demonstrated.”
For full findings, visit upwards.com/page/park-city-summit-county-impact-report.
Families can review eligibility criteria and apply for the programs here:
- Park City, UT: upwards.com/childcare-assistance/park-city
- Summit County, UT: upwards.com/childcare-assistance/summit-county
About Park City Municipal Corporation
Park City Municipal Corporation serves a historic mountain community that blends small-town character with an international reputation for recreation and a vibrant mountain lifestyle. Incorporated in 1884 as a silver mining boomtown, Park City has evolved into a world-class destination anchored by Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort, while retaining a strong sense of place with its iconic Historic Main Street.
The municipal government provides essential services and long-range planning for a community of approximately 8,400 residents that grows to nearly 40,000 people during peak seasons – balancing the needs of a full-time population with the demands of a global destination. Learn more at parkcity.gov.
About Summit County
Located in the northeast corner of Utah along the back of the Wasatch Mountain range, Summit County is home to more than 42,000 residents. Established in 1854 and named for its many mountain summits – including 39 of Utah’s highest peaks – Summit County encompasses six municipalities: Coalville, Francis, Henefer, Kamas, Oakley, and Park City. Visit summitcountyutah.gov for more.
About Park City Community Foundation:
The Community Foundation plays a vital role in solving the greatest challenges in greater Park City. It cares for and invests in our people, place, and culture by bringing together local nonprofits, donors, and community leaders to contribute financial resources and innovative ideas to benefit all the people of Park City—now and in the future. As the home of Live PC Give PC, Early Childhood Alliance, Women’s Giving Fund, Zero Food Waste, and other important initiatives, the Community Foundation has generated more than $82 million in total impact to the greater Park City community and Summit County since its inception in 2007. Learn more about getting involved at parkcitycf.org.
About Upwards:
Upwards (formerly WeeCare) is a technology-driven care solutions company with a mission to make care accessible to all families and empower the caregivers who provide it. Upwards brings together families, care providers, employers, and governments to create new care avenues in real time and uses a data-driven approach to enhance the supply and capacity of the care system. Upwards matches families with caregivers equipped to meet their unique needs and connects families with the resources they need to afford care, whether through government subsidies or workplace benefits. To learn more, visit upwards.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260422394912/en/
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