Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE): Findings from a Study of a Career Pathways Program Karen Gardiner Abt Associates, Inc. National Association of Welfare Research and Statistics (NAWRS) July 31, 2017 Pittsburgh, PA

The Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE) Study is supported by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (Contract #: HHSP23320072913YC). The contents of this presentation do not necessarily represent the official views or policies of OPRE, ACF, or HHS.

Presentation Overview What is PACE? Study Methods Pima Community College Pathways to Healthcare Program Findings

What is PACE? Evaluation of nine very different “career pathways” approaches that aim to increase education, training, employment and self-sufficiency among low-income, low- skilled adults 3(+) are Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) Study components Impact study using random assignment methodology Implementation study Sponsored by the Office for Planning, Research and Evaluation, ACF Led by Abt Associates, in partnership with MEF Associates, Urban Institute and University of Michigan

PACE Sites

Key Career Pathways Ideas A series of connected education and training programs and support services Enables individuals to secure employment within a specific industry or occupational sector, and to advance within that sector Each step prepares participant for the next level of employment and education Partnerships between education and training providers, social service providers, workforce Signature program components Comprehensive assessment, basic and technical skills instruction, academic and non-academic supports, connections to employment

PACE Methods Targeted sample sizes of 1,000 per site Random assignment to career pathways program vs. “business as usual” services in community Early reports based on 18-month follow-up survey and college records covering up to 2.5 years Confirmatory and secondary outcomes varied in accordance with each program’s logic model 18-month analyses focus on educational progress Longer-term reports (36 and 72 months) will emphasize educational progress and employment outcomes

Pathways to Healthcare Overview Collaboration between Pima Community College and Pima County One-Stop; HPOG grantee Key components Mapped 16 occupational training programs into five pathways Proactive staff guidance and advising from three designated advisors (2 at PCC, 1 at PCOS) Scholarships for tuition, books, other training costs Two compressed and contextualized basic skills College Readiness “bridge” programs Employment supports (employment specialist, program-specific workshops, networking group) Target population: Resident of Pima County, income at or below 70% Lower Living Standard Income Level, eligible to work, interest in healthcare

Study Participants at Baseline Low-income 49% annual income < $15,000/yr; 85% < $30,000/yr 68% received SNAP or WIC in past year 8% received public assistance or welfare 59% reported financial hardship in past year Non-traditional college students 47% age 35 or older; 32% 24 to 34 83% females 66% not working

Implementation Study Findings Program largely implemented as planned (5 pathways with 3 levels, 2 bridges, advising, employment supports) Considerable advisor turnover meant periods of high caseloads; implications for service delivery Staff made modifications in response to identified student needs Instructional supports Student and Alumni Network Additional employment services Pathways to Healthcare orientation

Participation Patterns over 18 Months 62% of treatment group members participated in any education or training 26% enrolled in a College Readiness bridge and all completed 48% enrolled in an occupational training (including those who started in College Readiness) Nursing was most common pathway (22% of enrollees), followed by medical and physician support (11%) 29% received a credential and 9% were still in training at the end of the 18-month follow-up period 11% participated in two occupational training 9% received 2 credentials

Early Impact Findings on Education/Training

Early Impact Findings on Education/Training cont’d

More Information Pathways to Healthcare Implementation and Early Impact Report Available at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/research/project/pathwa ys-for-advancing-careers-and-education www.career-pathways.org

Contact Information Karen Gardiner PACE Project Director Abt Associates, Inc. Karen_gardiner@abtassoc.com Nicole Constance PACE Federal Project Officer OPRE/ACF/HHS nicole.constance@acf.hhs.gov