BHBF was based on the framework developed for the Youth Transition Demonstration funded by the SSA, which focused on making youth with disabilities as economically self-sufficient as possible during their transition to adulthood. BHBF participants met regularly with the community employment development specialists (CEDS), who helped develop and oversee a PCP process, consisting of exercises that helped participants identify their goals in education, emplo

The program, operated by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County provided funding for occupational training in health care through either Individual Training Accounts (vouchers) or tuition-free course packages open only to program participants at community and technical colleges.

Participants first met with a counselor who helped them select an accredited training program in a patient care, technical, or administrative health care occupation. The counselor also identified any barriers participants might face and connected participants with supportive services such as transportation or child care assistance, Individual Training Accounts to cover the cost of training, and employment services and job search assistance.

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.

PTH provided five pathways to earn stackable credentials in the health care industry through a career pathways model and offered intensive advising, supportive services, and work-readiness activities, including workshops to prepare for the job search and job search assistance. Participants could also receive scholarships for tuition and books of up to $3,500 (or $6,500 for certain more expensive programs such as Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical Office Specialist, and Medical Records Technician) at the community college that operated PTH.

Participants volunteered for the program and received job counseling and help preparing for interviews from their case managers. Case managers then identified job opportunities with partner employers suited to the clients’ skills and interests and scheduled job interviews for participants at weekly job fairs.

After two days of initial skills assessment, Good Transitions participants were placed in a subsidized job at Goodwill Industries stores. An on-site job coach provided feedback and support while program staff provided case management and job development services. After one month at the Goodwill position, Good Transitions placed participants in a new position, with less on-site support and coaching than the Goodwill position, for about three months.

Urban Alliance’s high school internship program consisted of pre-work training that lasted three to six weeks; an internship program paired with continuous soft-skills training throughout the school year; and post-internship services, which connected alumni to continuing services and potential summer internship opportunities. The pre-work training provided general job and soft skills training for three to six weeks at the start of the school year, after which participants began their paid internships.

Future Steps implemented an employment-focused case management model. Working with a career specialist, participants completed a career and skills assessment and then began an individualized job search. Services included informal counseling and referrals to specialized job training and other services such as child care and mental health services.

YouthBuild programs provided four main categories of services: (1) a combination of educational services designed to lead to a high school diploma or an equivalent credential such as a GED; (2) vocational training in construction or another in-demand industry; (3) youth development services focused on leadership training and community service; and (4) supportive services to help individuals participate in training and employment, including case management, workforce preparation, life skills training, counseling, and stipends for participation.