JOBSTART

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. All sites offered child care and transportation assistance, and many offered additional services such as life skills training and small, regular cash payments to offset the costs of participating. Job search assistance was also available at all sites. Some sites offered paid or unpaid work experience, job development and placement services, and financial incentives for meeting program milestones. On average, youth spent 415 hours participating in program activities over 6.8 months, with most of this time in education and occupational training.

Eligible participants were youth ages 17 to 21 who had dropped out of high school and did not have a GED or high school diploma, read below the eighth-grade level on a standardized test, were classified as economically disadvantaged, and were eligible for public workforce services.

JOBSTART operated in 13 cities: Buffalo, NY; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY; Hartford, CT; San Jose, CA; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Monterey Park, CA; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and Corpus Christi, TX. A local organization in each city operated the program. These organizations included adult vocational schools, community-based organizations, Job Corps centers, and a community college.

JOBSTART was modeled after Job Corps but without residential support or financial compensation, and with less extensive supportive services.