Program Evaluations: Assessments of Job Corps Performance and Impacts. Volume I

摘要

The first volume of a two volume assessment of the Job Corps presents a compendium of findings of the newest programs initiated under Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act. Major findings include: Job Corps program benefits outweigh program costs. Both participants and society gain from the increased earnings of participants, lowered transfer payments and reduced levels of crime. Older participants tend to make significant employment and earnings gains while younger enrollees benefit from socialization and greater maturity. The self-paced, individualized approach of Job Corps works well in education and vocational training. Such freedom allows for greater choice and opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to grow and progress. The multiplicity of program approaches has a considerable positive impact on program effectiveness. However, with multiple approaches, it is also more difficult to coordinate all the activities. Experience indicates that it may take as along as five years of operation for centers to stabilize.