101036.02-Study of California

Study Name

Study of California Bridge Academy (Versus Existing Services)

Study Sharepoint ID

101036.02

Evaluation name

Evaluation of Pilot Projects to Promote Work and Increase State Accountability in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Expanding Opportunities & Reducing Barriers to Work: California

This study received a high study quality rating because it is a low-attrition randomized controlled trial with no known issues that suggest the findings cannot be attributed to the intervention.

Design

Randomized controlled trial

Services

Performance- or behavior-based financial incentives

Post-employment participant follow-up

Case management

Transportation assistance

Work supports

Basic skills/bridge programs

Subsidized employment/transitional jobs

Paid work experience/internships

Job search assistance

Job readiness

Populations targeted

Adults (age 25+)

Public benefits recipients

Settings in which the intervention was studied

Tested in multiple settings

Demographics

Subgroups

Subgroup data - Female

Subgroup data - Male

Subgroup data - White

Subgroup data - Black

Percent Young Adults

19.73

Percent female

59.46

Percent Male

40.54

Percent No high school diploma or GED

24.41

Percent With a high school diploma or GED

75.59

Percent Employed

22.42

Percent Unemployed

77.58

Percent welfare population

100.00

Percent Asian

4.76

Percent Black or African American

13.03

Percent Hispanic or Latino of any race

61.38

Percent White not Hispanic

14.87

Percent More than one race

4.52

Percent another race

1.44

Percent Adults

80.27

Percent Old Adults

12.80

Percent Postsecondary credential

23.00

Mean age

35.00

Study Characteristics

Group formation formatted

The pilot enrolled 3,390 individuals who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a treatment group receiving enhanced SNAP employment and training (E&T) services (46 percent), an existing services (ES) control group who received existing SNAP E&T services (16%percent), or a no services control group who received no SNAP E&T services (38 percent).

Study timing formatted

Three years

Study funding formatted

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Nutrition Service, Contract Number AG-3198-B-15-0002/12319818F0080

Sample Characteristics

The sample for this study included SNAP work registrants. The pilots primarily targeted individuals who were unemployed or underemployed and facing barriers to employment.

Implementing organization formatted

Reading and Beyond (RAB) and Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

Program history

California Bridge Academy was one of 10 pilot programs across the country authorized and funded by the Agricultural Act of 2014 to offer enhanced SNAP E&T services to help connect SNAP participants to employment opportunities.

Treatment condition formatted

California Bridge Academy provided enhanced SNAP Employment and Training Services, including 18 months of intensive case management, GED preparation classes, referrals to occupational skills training or postsecondary education, subsidized employment, job search assistance, support services, and financial incentives for upgrading skill and remaining in services.

Comparison condition formatted

Control group received existing SNAP Employment and Training Services. In Fresno County, this included 18 months of case management, assistance connecting individuals to education and training, job search assistance, and wraparound services for members of the individual’s family.

Mandatory services formatted

None

Timing of study formatted

18 months

Program funding formatted

Federal SNAP Pilot Funding

Setting details formatted

Fresno County, California

Delivered by public or private entity?

Public-private partnership

Secondary domains examined

The study reports impacts on food security, health, well-being, and housing status.