Thirteen JOBSTART sites provided youth with instruction in basic academic skills, occupational skills training, supportive services, and job search assistance. Basic academic skills instruction was individualized and commonly focused on developing skills needed to pass a GED examination. Occupational skills training was classroom based. Youth could choose from various occupational skills courses that generally prepared participants for jobs requiring moderate or higher skills.

ATIM case managers helped participants develop training plans to help them achieve their employment and career advancement goals. ATIM provided access to trainings, including basic skills training, occupational training focused on manufacturing and safety, and on-the-job training. Manufacturing safety training modules lasted 1 to 12 weeks, and participants could receive on-the-job training during internships lasting about 3 to 4 weeks. On average, participants completed the program in five months.

HPOG aimed to prepare participants for careers in health care occupations that paid well and were expected to experience labor shortages or increased demand. HPOG 2.0 refers to the second round of five-year HPOG grants that the Administration for Children and Families awarded in 2010. HPOG 2.0 used a career pathways framework with three core components: basic skills training, health care occupational training, and wraparound supports and services. Local HPOG 2.0 programs varied in how they implemented the career pathways framework.