The UMass Dartmouth Policy Analysis Research Team (PART) is a group of graduate students in the Master of Public Policy program who are taking a required graduate course in Policy Analysis that is taught each spring. The PART experience is designed to provide students with the opportunity to both learn the methods and the craft of policy analysis and inform evidence-based policymaking through their original research. 
 

Spring 2011 Project

During the Spring 2011 semester, the UMass Dartmouth Policy Analysis Research Team (PART) conducted an analysis of how low-income residents of Greater New Bedford use and interact with traditional (banks and credit unions) and non-traditional (check cashing establishments) financial service providers. Led by Professor Michael Goodman, the project was conducted at the request and with the assistance of the Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) of Southeastern Massachusetts.  The analysis is based on a survey of 173 low-income residents of Greater New Bedford and was informed by a series of interviews with members of the New Bedford community and focus groups with local low-income residents.     

   Spring 2011 PART Members      

Project Results 

Summary of Research Findings   

Survey Instrument 

For more information or to request a PART project please contact Professor Michael Goodman