The program’s curriculum focused on real-world applications of the English language, such as talking about the weather or making phone calls. Participants in the program condition attended classes for 6 hours per week over a 15-week semester, in either the fall or spring. Classes were offered in morning and evening sessions at a local middle school or community center. The program served immigrants in Framingham, MA, who were learning English as a second language.
Summary
Framingham Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) Plus provided adult education services to improve the communication and literacy skills of English-language learners.
Populations and employment barriers: English learners, Immigrants
Studies of this program
| Study quality rating | Study counts per rating |
|---|---|
 Low
|
1 |
Program cost
No cost information available.
Cost results
| Estimate (in 2024 dollars) | Quality of cost analysis that produced the estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Total program cost, per participant | $3,356 |
Interpret cost findings with caution
|
| Net benefit to taxpayers, per participant | $2,084 |
Interpret cost findings with caution
|
Cost information
How much did the program cost per participant?
The average total program cost per participant was $3,356 in 2024 dollars. This figure is based on cost information for this program reported in one cost study reviewed by Pathways to Work (for details, see the FAQ). This study received a rating of Interpret cost findings with caution for the cost analysis.
How much did the program cost relative to the benefits it generated?
A cost-benefit analysis was conducted in the cost study reviewed, receiving a rating of Interpret cost findings with caution. The net benefit to taxpayers was $2,084 per participant in 2024 dollars. This means that the net program benefit to taxpayers (difference in benefits between the program and comparison group) was $2,084 more than the net cost of the program to taxpayers. The estimate is expressed as the net present value, which accounts for differences in the timing of when benefits and costs occurred.
Cost information is not directly comparable across programs due to differences in the categories of costs reported and program length. Cost information is not an official price tag or guarantee.
Implementation details
State(s) where implemented
Pathways to Work refers to programs by the names used in study reports or manuscripts. Some program names may use language that is not consistent with our style guide, preferences, or the terminology we use to describe populations.