VIDA supported full-time enrollment in educational programs, including certificate programs, associate’s degree programs, or the last two years of coursework to receive a bachelor’s degree related to occupations that pay a living wage and are in high demand in the program’s local area. Participants received intensive, mandatory weekly counseling services focused on developing life skills, such as time management and budgeting, as well as skills to support success in participants’ education programs. Individuals could also receive supportive services, including financial aid, connection to child care, transportation assistance, and emergency assistance, or could enroll in a 16-week basic skills remediation program. Most of the academic programs VIDA supports lasted one to two years. As of 2020, VIDA continues to offer similar services to eligible participants.
VIDA served individuals with a high school diploma or general education diploma who were low income, unemployed, underemployed, or who received public assistance. The program was implemented in five partnering colleges or universities in Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX. The Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education study also evaluated the following programs: Bridge to Employment in the Healthcare Industry, Carreras en Salud, Health Careers for All, Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST), Pathways to Healthcare, Patient Care Pathway Program, Workforce Training Academy Connect, and Year Up.
VIDA supported full-time enrollment in educational programs in high-demand occupations—including health care, manufacturing, and technology—to individuals with low income.