NCJ Number
240117
Date Published
June 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This summary presents the results of a study that examined the effect of center characteristics on the success of National Job Corps programs.
Abstract
Major findings from the study include the following: despite differences in operational characteristics, the impacts of job corps programs were similar at centers that were operated by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and those operated by private organizations, with students attaining gains at similar rates over varying time periods; the impacts for key education and earnings outcomes were positive for all three center size groups, while large reductions in arrests were found at small and medium size centers but not at large-sized centers; and centers in all regions of the country reported positive earnings gains among participants, positive impacts on GED attainment, and decreases in arrest rates for participants. The study also examined the success of program participation at centers based on their ratings according to the Job Corps performance management system and found that program impacts were similar for centers rated as high-, medium-, and low-performing. This study was conducted to provide information to Congress and Job Corps program managers on the ability of Job Corps to help students become more employable, productive citizens. Data were obtained from interviews with Job Corps participants who applied for the program between November 1994 and December 1995. The participants were interviewed at baseline and at 12, 30, and 48 months to determine the effects of center characteristics on the success of the Job Corps programs.