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
Economically Disadvantaged, Drop-Outs, Social-Emotional LearningPrograms & Services
General Education, Title IDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
McKie, A., Schirm, A. & Stuart, E. (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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