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August 2021

This issue of At Work demonstrates the importance of evidence-based approaches to policy. We explore workers’ and programs’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine outcomes from a range of programs designed to help low-income adults gain the education and skills necessary for career-track jobs offering financial stability. Dive in and check out our latest findings!

What We're Talking About

Bridges to Career Program Yields Positive Results

Abt’s evaluation of the Bridges to Career Opportunities (BCO) program found that adults with low incomes and low skills who participate in BCO services show increases in their employment and financial stability. Read full report here, and watch Judy Alamprese discuss the program in a recent webinar.

Healthcare Workforce During COVID-19: Results from an Environmental Scan

The pandemic may have made it harder for trainees to find good jobs in the hospital, home-health, and long-term care sectors that employ workers targeted by Health Profession Opportunity Grants. Zach Epstein explains some of the challenges the healthcare training field faces as a result of the pandemic.

Responses to COVID-19: How Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Programs Adapt

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, states and localities instituted stay-at-home orders and shutdowns of nonessential businesses. Substance use disorder treatment programs that serve vulnerable populations faced new service delivery challenges as substance misuse and overdoses increased, unemployment rose dramatically, and services became virtual. Read about how seven programs adapted.

I-BEST Boosts Credentials for Low-skilled Adults, but has Limited Effect on Earnings

Washington State’s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program was designed to increase low-skilled adults’ access to and completion of college-level occupational training in a range of in-demand occupational areas. This report documents the three-year impacts of the I-BEST program on education and employment outcomes and discusses policy and program implications.

PACE Impact Reports Show Mixed Results

The Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE) project is evaluating the impact of nine programs using components of a career pathways approach on education, employment, and earnings. Eight programs show positive impacts on educational credentials and one program on earnings after three years. Click on each report to learn more!

Des Moines Area Community College’s Workforce Training Academy Connect Program: Three-Year Impact Report

Instituto del Progreso Latino’s Carreras en Salud Program: Three-Year Impact Report

Read Report

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA): Three-Year Impact Report

Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) Program: Three-Year Impact Report

Read Report

Recent Findings

Innovative Adult Education Practices That Produce Positive Results

The goal of the Advancing Innovation in Adult Education project is to promote the development and use of innovative approaches in adult education that can result in positive outcomes for adult learners. Two reports have been released highlighting the latest innovative practices in adult education: