![Two professionals, Tracy Palandjian and Plinio Ayala, are pictured next to text discussing closing the skills gap by covering living expenses, not just tuition.](https://socialfinance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/6-TP-Plinio-1000x673.png")
Key Takeaway
In this op-ed for WorkShift, Tracy Palandjian and Plinio Ayala argue that to truly close the skills gap, training programs must cover learners’ living expenses—not just tuition—highlighting evidence that stipends and zero‑percent loans significantly boost completion and employment outcomes.
In this op-ed, Tracy Palandjian and Plinio Ayala explain why tuition‑free training isn’t enough to help low-income learners access in‑demand careers. They highlight evidence from Per Scholas and Social Finance showing that living stipends and zero‑interest loans for basic expenses dramatically improve graduation, certification, and job placement rates. The authors point to emerging models—including a new Massachusetts initiative—that address the full cost of upskilling and argue that scalable supports for living expenses are essential to closing the wage and skills gap.
Related Insight
![A professional woman smiles in a circular photo. Text reads: "Social Finance in TIME: Cutting Costs Alone Won’t Make Government More Efficient. Tracy Palandjian.](https://socialfinance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Leah-4-e1738858546881-1000x588.png")