These characteristics describe the participants in at least one study of a given program. Some programs target very specific populations, while others serve broader populations.
Adults
People who are ages 25 to 49.
At least a high school diploma or equivalent
People who graduated from high school or passed a high school equivalency exam such as the General Educational Development test (GED) or high school equivalency test (HiSET).
Cash assistance recipients
People served by public benefits programs or initiatives that provide a direct payment of cash, including TANF.
Disability(ies)
A physical or mental condition—including some chronic illnesses—that substantially limit one or more major life activities (i.e., activities that most people can perform with little to no difficulty such as seeing, hearing, and learning).
Educational attainment
The highest level of education or training completed by a person.
Employed
People who have a paid job from an employer or who are self-employed—either full-time or part-time.
Employment status
The legal status of a person’s relationship with an employer, if any.
Homelessness
The condition of lacking an adequate, fixed, and regular residence. This can include living in emergency shelters or transitional housing.
Justice involvement
Contact with the justice system, including the condition of being in or having been in prison, jail, or a youth correctional facility; awaiting trial; or being on probation, parole, or supervised release.
Less than a high school diploma or equivalent
People who did not complete high school or pass a high school equivalency exam.
Mental health condition
A condition or conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, mood, or behaviors. Mental health conditions that may be considered employment barriers include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders.
Military veterans
A person who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and was discharged or released under a condition other than "dishonorable."
Noncustodial parents
A parent who does not have primary care, custody, or control of their child, and who may have an obligation to pay child support.
Older adults
People who are ages 50 or older.
Parents
An adult caregiver responsible for raising a child; can be a biological, adoptive, or step-parent.
Public benefits recipients
People served by government programs that provide financial support and services to people with low incomes. These programs include TANF, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and subsidized or public housing.
Single parents
A parent raising a child or children without a spouse or partner in the household.
Specific employment barriers
Characteristics or conditions that can introduce difficulties for a person to find, obtain, and/or keep a job.
Substance use disorder
A condition that affects a person's ability to control the use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications despite their harmful consequences.
Unemployed
People who do not have a paid job and who are either actively seeking employment or not in the labor force.
Young adults
People who are ages 16 to 24.