A workforce development program for low-income workers, to support them in training for well-paying careers in high-growth sectors of the local economy. The program version that has been rigorously evaluated focuses on training for healthcare sector employment.
[Disclosure: Arnold Ventures provided funding for the nine-year follow-up of the QUEST RCT.[1]]
Project QUEST provides comprehensive support and resources to help low-income individuals enroll full-time in occupational training programs at local community colleges, complete the training, pass certification exams, and enter well-paying careers in high-growth sectors of the local economy (hence, the program is sometimes described as a “sectoral” training program). In the study described below, the program focused on jobs in the healthcare sector. Major components of the program are: required full-time enrollment in a college occupational training program that QUEST is partnered with, required weekly group or individual counseling sessions, financial assistance for tuition and other school-related expenses, and remedial instruction for those requiring it. Program services are provided for 23 months on average, and the program costs approximately $12,500 per participant. (All dollar amounts shown in this summary are constant 2019 dollars.)
Project QUEST’s website is linked here.