Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP)
About the Intervention
The Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP) is a comprehensive, intensive case management and mentoring program designed to help at-risk high school students graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education or training. The program targets youth with low grades entering high schools with high dropout rates, serving them year-round for five years from ninth grade through the year after scheduled graduation. QOP provides case management and mentoring (with approximately 15-25 enrollees per case manager), supplemental education (including tutoring and computer-assisted instruction), developmental activities (life skills and employment-readiness training), community service activities, supportive services (such as snacks, transportation assistance, child care, health services), and financial incentives (stipends of approximately $1.25 per hour for participation, with matching amounts deposited in accrual accounts). The program model prescribes an annual participation goal of 750 hours for each enrollee who has not graduated. Enrollees remain eligible for services regardless of behavior or status changes (such as transferring schools, dropping out, or becoming incarcerated). After graduation, enrollees receive limited services including mentoring and assistance with enrolling in postsecondary education or training through the end of the fifth year.
Statistical Findings
No effect on high school diploma receipt
No effect on high school diploma or GED receipt
No effect on ever attending four-year college
No effect on completing at least one year at four-year college
No effect on completing at least two years at four-year college
No effect on earning bachelor's degree
No effect on ever attending two- or four-year college
No effect on completing at least one year at two- or four-year college
No effect on completing at least two years at two- or four-year college
No effect on earning bachelor's or associate's degree
No effect on ever engaging in postsecondary education or training
No effect on completing two years of college or military service or completing vocational/technical school or apprenticeship
No effect on completing associate's or bachelor's degree or vocational/technical school or apprenticeship
No effect on current employment
No effect on current unemployment
No effect on being out of labor force
No effect on being employed or in postsecondary education or training
No effect on ever being employed
No effect on employment in past 12 months
No effect on percentage of weeks employed
No effect on number of jobs
No effect on job tenure
No effect on hours worked per week
No effect on working at least 35 hours per week
No effect on total earnings
No effect on hourly earnings
No effect on having job with health insurance
No effect on having job with paid time off
No effect on having job with pension benefits
No effect on tobacco use
No effect on daily tobacco use
No effect on binge drinking
No effect on frequent binge drinking
No effect on illegal drug use
Positive effect on committing crime in past 3 months
No effect on committing crime in past 2 years
Positive effect on being arrested or charged in past 2 years
No effect on being convicted or pleading guilty
No effect on serving time in jail or prison
No effect on poor self-reported health
No effect on physical or mental limitations
No effect on having first child before age 18
No effect on being single parent
No effect on having children not living with enrollee
No effect on not providing child support
No effect on receiving welfare
No effect on receiving food stamps
No effect on receiving welfare or food stamps
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Social-Emotional Learning, Drop-Outs, Economically DisadvantagedPrograms & Services
General Education, Title IDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Source
Allen, S., Allison, M. & Elizabeth, S. (2006). The Quantum Opportunity Program Demonstration: Final Impacts (ED498110). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED498110.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Race
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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