1. 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

2. 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 #: HHSP YC).
The contents of this presentation do not necessarily represent the official views or policies of OPRE, ACF, or HHS.

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

4. 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

5. PACE Sites

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Early Impact Findings on Education/Training

13. Early Impact Findings on Education/Training cont’d

14. More Information
Pathways to Healthcare Implementation and Early Impact Report Available at:
ys-for-advancing-careers-and-education

15. Contact Information
Karen Gardiner PACE Project Director Abt Associates, Inc.
Nicole Constance PACE Federal Project Officer OPRE/ACF/HHS