Our Economic Mobility Bridge®

EMPath's newly updated Economic Mobility Bridge is a theory of change that breaks down silos and uses a comprehensive approach to upward economic mobility. 

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) is excited to announce the launch of our newly updated theory of change and innovative coaching tool the Economic Mobility Bridge® (the “Bridge”), previously titled the Bridge to Self-Sufficiency®. The Bridge is a holistic and comprehensive tool designed to support individuals and families chart a path to upward economic mobility.  

The Economic Mobility Bridge intentionally incorporates design elements informed by brain science to support contextualized decision-making and future orientation using a simple one-page illustration. EMPath’s coaching model, Mobility Mentoring uses the Bridge to partner with families to achieve sustained economic mobility gains. The Bridge helps families plan, reach, and sustain their personal goals in five essential areas: family stability, well-being, education and training, financial management, and employment and career management. 

Featured Updates: 

  • The new name Economic Mobility Bridge moves away from the dated concept of ‘self-sufficiency’ and better conveys that upward economic mobility is a journey and process rather than a destination to arrive.   

  • The employment and career pillar was enhanced to include a new ‘Job Quality’ sub-pillar to assess whether one’s job includes benefits, predictable hours, and opportunities to advance 

  • The Housing sub-pillar expanded to include quality of living conditions and stability as indicated by being on lease/mortgage  

  • A stronger focus on asset building to support pathways beyond “just getting by” to “thriving” for this generation and future generations 

  • Updated language to be more strength-based, participant-centered, and reinforce a growth mindset. 

 

Interested in using the Bridge to disrupt poverty in your community? Join EMPath’s Economic Mobility Exchange learning network to train on how to use the Bridge within the Mobility Mentoring coaching approach to support people with their economic mobility goals! Get started today by completing a contact form to schedule a call.  

DOWNLOAD OUR NEW BRIDGE

Family Stability

  • The participant is spending less than 30% of her after-tax income on housing.
  • The needs of the participant's children are being met and do not prevent the participant from pursuing school or work.

Well-Being

  • The participant is fully engaged in work and family, and no health or behavioral issues prevent him or her from pursuing school or employment.
  • The participant is part of a strong social network, serving as an advocate, organizer, and support to others.

Financial Management

  • The participant has savings equal to three months’ worth of living expenses.
  • The participant has good credit and is managing debts in balance with income.

Education and Training

  • The participant has achieved a level of post-secondary education and/or training that has prepared her for a job paying enough to support her family.

Employment and Career Management

  • The participant's earnings from his or her job are greater than the real costs of basic living expenses for her family.