Following the widespread adoption of free primary education, African policymakers are now considering making secondary school free, but little is known about the private and social benefits of free secondary education. Using a randomized assignment to secondary school scholarships among 2,064 youths in Ghana, together with 12 years of data, the speaker will highlight that scholarships increase educational attainment, knowledge, skills, and preventative health behaviors, while reducing female fertility. Eleven years after receipt of the scholarship, only female winners show private labor market gains, but come primarily in the form of better access to jobs with rents (in particular rationed jobs in the public sector). She will also talk about a simple model she’s developed to interpret the labor market results and help think through the welfare impact of free secondary education.
The Africa Economics Series are monthly events chaired by Albert Zeufack, Chief Economist for Africa. The series bring academics, other experts, and policymakers to share their work and thoughts with World bank staff and to discuss implications for policy and the World Bank operations in the Africa region. The events are opened to the public. Please visit the Africa Chief Economist Office’s webpage for more information.
