Skill QUEST

Skill QUEST Mission: Investing in People Provide comprehensive, long-term training opportunities to economically disadvantaged adults. Long term skill training results in large, lasting returns in the labor market compared to the modest impact of shorter term training programs* Local Investments in Workforce Development: 2012 Evaluation Update, Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin

Skill QUEST Vision To create a vibrant community economy through moving unemployed or under- employed persons to jobs that pay a family wage and contribute to the economy To define the skills required to succeed in targeted, hard-to-fill occupations with employers, then to recruit, train and develop adults so that they are qualified and ready for employment

1.Education level – High school diploma ≠ passing the college entrance exam 2. Cost – An issue for low income families. 3. Childcare and Transportation – Monthly costs for three children can be upwards of $1,200. EducationBarriers

Accelerated College Prep - Intensive program, offered in partnership with community colleges. Assistance with Tuition, Fees and Books Childcare and Transportation Guidance/VIP (Vision, Initiative, Perseverance) -Case Manager meets with participants regularly, to help them navigate their progress toward graduation and career.

To move unemployed and underemployed people out of poverty and into high-growth jobs in emerging industries by developing a skilled labor pool to meet employment needs: Current Programs include: Health Occupations, Information Technology, Mechanical/Repair, Logistics Management, Construction, Auto Repair, Auto Body Repair Placement – to assist in finding employment with a good salary, benefits, and opportunity for growth/advancement.

Capital Idea (Austin) and Project Quest (San Antonio) in existence for almost twenty years: > 5,000 adults have enrolled in training leading to careers paying family-level wages. The average wage placement is $16-$18 a year. vs Comparison Group: earned $759 more per quarter, increased employment and eligibility for unemployment benefits in the event of a job loss* * Local Investments in Workforce Development: 2012 Evaluation Update, Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin

Information Session Potential participants attend an information session where they learn the requirements of the program, education /training objectives, and the support services given for tuition, books/materials, emergency assistance, etc. Potential participants sign-up for testing

Testing Potential participants test for college level placement and career aptitude Participants that do not test well are referred to other agencies for additional support and are invited to test next semester after the case mana ger goes over their testing scores and identifies areas of weakness Those participants who test at college level or participants near college-ready level and who are willing to take accelerated remediation are then given appointments to speak with a case manager one on one about entering the program and asked to bring required documentation

Individual Assessment 1. Potential participants are asked why they want to participate in the program; they review their financial situation in greater detail with case manager ; participants are asked to research their area of study and write an essay about it 2. After all required documents are submitted and verified, participants are invited to enter the program

Participants attend community college for their education and training Participants receive additional tutoring Participants may request counseling Participants must attend VIP sessions or meet with case manager individually. Topics for the VIPs include: Time Management, Stress Management, Family Crisis Management, Nutrition, Navigating the Community College System Successfully, Study Skills, Budget Development, Financial Education, Financial Resource Development, Resume Writing, Job Interview Skills, Job Placement Strategies Participants participate in evaluating the program Graduates receive assistance with job placement

117 participants served since September, graduates, 4 more scheduled May, 2013 graduation. 8 employed in jobs paying $40,000 to $60,000 2 continuing at 4 year universities Forty-four students currently continue in pursuit of an associate degree. Our average cost per student is $5,500.

 Baylor University Medical Center  Dallas County Community College District  Collin College Community College District  Dallas Area Interfaith and Member Institutions  City Square  The Meadows Foundation  The Thomson Family Foundation  The Dallas Women’s Foundation  North Dallas Bank  Attitudes and Attire  YWCA  City of Dallas, DOORS, Metro Homeless Coalition

Participants Tax Payers Society The same outstanding Return on Investment for Economic Development?