JOBSTART

JOBSTART is an alternative education and training program designed to improve the economic prospects of young, disadvantaged high school dropouts (ages 17-21) by increasing educational attainment and developing occupational skills. The program serves youth who have dropped out of school, read below an 8th-grade level, and are economically disadvantaged (receive public assistance, have family income at or below poverty line, or are homeless). JOBSTART has four main components: (1) basic academic skills instruction with a focus on GED preparation (minimum 200 hours of self-paced instruction using workbooks, meeting 2-3 hours per day, 3-5 days per week), (2) occupational skills training (minimum 500 hours of classroom-based training, meeting 3-4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week), (3) training-related support services (transportation assistance, childcare, emergency funds, on-site meals, and life-skills training), and (4) job placement assistance. Participation is voluntary. JOBSTART staff were typically former teachers from public schools or community colleges with experience working with disadvantaged youth or adults.