Per Scholas Sectoral Employment Program had the largest effects on long-term annual earnings (an average of $7,509 per year). Per Scholas provided a computer technician training program, internships, soft skills training, and supportive services to participants with low incomes. The program aimed to help participants obtain computer certification and find jobs in the information technology sector.
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) had the largest effects on long-term employment (an average of 7 percentage points). I-BEST helped workers with low skills develop basic skills and receive occupational credentials.
Portland Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) had the largest effects on long-term benefit receipt (decreasing the amount of public benefits received by $653 per year). The Portland version of JOBS, a national program model enacted through the Family Support Act of 1988 to support recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in finding a job, focused on quickly moving participants into any employment, while also encouraging them to search for higher paying jobs with benefits.
Decrease long-term benefit receipt
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) had the largest effects on education and training (increasing the attainment of a degree or credential by an average of 30 percentage points). I-BEST helped workers with low skills develop basic skills and receive occupational credentials.
Child support and workforce staff were co-located and communicated regularly to quickly connect noncustodial parents to employment services and to modify child support orders. These staff also worked closely with the court system to require noncustodial parents to participate in Parents to Work, review participation, and impose incentives and sanctions when appropriate.
Course participants learned job search and basic work skills, identified promising careers, and created a career development strategy. As part of the course, youth met weekly with the program’s employment coordinator to discuss entry-level opportunities in the individual’s field of interest. After job placement, Hire Up coordinators continued to support the former program member and provided support to the employer to ensure job retention after job placement.
