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The study focused on evaluating YouthBuild as implemented at 75 local programs. Programs were selected from those receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Labor or Corporation for National and Community Service. Random assignment and enrollment procedures differed across locations. Each program followed its standard selection processes to determine the eligible pool of applicants, such as administering basic skills tests and conducting interviews with applicants to assess their suitability for the program. Selected applicants were then invited to attend a Mental Toughness Orientation designed to further assess applicants’ motivation and willingness to change. The orientation’s length averaged 10 days, but its scope and intensity varied by program. Study participants were randomly assigned from August 2011 to January 2013. Though most programs randomly assigned 60 percent of eligible youth to the intervention and 40 percent to the comparison condition, some programs deviated from this ratio. Across programs, 69 percent of eligible youth were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 31 percent to the comparison group. The evaluation included three surveys administered 12, 30, and 48 months after random assignment. The study team attempted to survey all individuals in the intervention group, all individuals in the comparison group randomly assigned before March 2012, and a random subsample of individuals randomly assigned to the intervention group during or after March 2012.
Study enrollment took place from August 2011 through January 2013, and individuals were followed for four years afterwards.
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, with initial support provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The study focused on examining program impacts on youth who were low income and considered disconnected. All individuals were between the ages of 16 to 24, and eligibility to participate, in most cases, was limited to those who had dropped out of high school; they were also required to meet at least one of the following criteria: be from a low-income or migrant family, be currently in or aging out of foster care, be an ex-offender, have a disability, or have an incarcerated parent. The majority of participants were male (64 percent) and African American (63 percent). Fifteen percent were Hispanic, and 15 percent were White. The average age was 20, and 30 percent were parents. The majority of participants had dropped out of high school after completing the 10th (26 percent) or 11th (35 percent) grade.
YouthBuild programs are locally operated by community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies.
The initial YouthBuild program began in the late 1970s as the East Harlem Youth Action Program. Organizations that participated in the evaluation varied based on their tenures in their communities and their tenures administering YouthBuild programs. Organizations had implemented YouthBuild programs for an average of 10 years.
To reengage disconnected youth in employment and education, YouthBuild provides a combination of educational services designed to lead to a high school diploma or equivalent credential; vocational training in construction or another in-demand industry; youth development services focused on leadership training and community service; supportive services to help individuals participate in training and employment; case management; workforce preparation; life skills training; and counseling. The program offers youth a stipend or living allowance while participating in the program. YouthBuild programs are locally operated by community-based organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. The YouthBuild program model provides local flexibility to adapt program components in response to community contexts.
Youth assigned to the comparison group were given information on services available in the community. Youth in the comparison group were prohibited from enrolling in the YouthBuild program for two years after random assignment but were able to access similar services in their communities.
None.
Most programs were six to 12 months long, with an initial Mental Toughness Orientation lasting an average of 10 days.
U.S. Department of Labor; Corporation for National and Community Service.
The programs participating in the study were located in 29 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC.
Youth development, Health, Substance use, Criminal justice, Job characteristics, Housing, Family formation