The program, operated by Instituto del Progreso Latino, offered tuition-free instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL) with a focus on language skills for the health care industry and two 16-week courses designed to (1) improve reading and math skills to prepare participants for an LPN program and (2) develop basic vocational skills for the health care industry. The program also helped participants apply to CNA and LPN courses at local colleges, including assistance in applying for financial aid.

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.

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.

At the time this evaluation occurred, two Transitional Subsidized Employment programs were active in Los Angeles County: PWE and an on-the-job (OJT) training program. PWE placed each participant in a fully subsidized, six-month position at a public-sector or nonprofit organization, where they were paid minimum wage by the local Workforce Investment Board.

At the time this evaluation occurred, two subsidized employment programs were active in Los Angeles County: PWE and an on-the-job training (OJT) program. PWE placed each participant in a fully subsidized, six-month position at a public-sector or nonprofit organization, where they were paid minimum wage by the local Workforce Investment Board. Case management was provided to assist participants in searching for unsubsidized employment, and in the final month of subsidized employment, participants also received 16 hours of paid time to engage in a job search.

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.

TWE, part of the VA’s Compensated Work Therapy Program, helped participants develop work restoration plans and provided a rehabilitative work setting within the VA, other federal agencies, or private businesses in the community. After their participation in TWE, participants moved into CE, during which they could receive standard VA services (including the VA health care, education benefits, home loan assistance, disability compensation, and vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance).

TWE, part of the VA’s Compensated Work Therapy Program, helped participants develop work restoration plans and provided a rehabilitative work setting within the VA, other federal agencies, or private businesses in the community. After their participation in TWE, participants moved into CE, during which they could receive standard VA services (including the VA health care, education benefits, home loan assistance, disability compensation, and vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance).