Combine full-time occupational enrollment with intrusive advising, financial support, and basic skills instruction¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report describes an implementable package of supports: "Project QUEST is comprised of several components, including a comprehensive intake process, full-time enrollment in an occupational program, basic skills instruction, intrusive advising, job placement support, financial support, and partnerships with occupational training partners and employers." Intrusive advising consists of mandatory weekly group meetings of 45 minutes to an hour on life skills, time management, study skills, test-taking techniques, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and workforce readiness skills, plus individual advising and referrals. Financial support covers tuition, fees, books, uniforms, licensing fees, and supportive services such as transportation and childcare.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A comprehensive six-step intake process to determine eligibility, baseline skills, and interests
• Partnerships with community colleges, professional training institutes, and employers

Constraints¶

• The report notes this preliminary list of costs is not designed to be exhaustive; average cost was $10,501 per participant over an average of 22 months as reported in Roder & Elliott (2018)

Target Learners¶

• adults 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent seeking occupational training

Target Learning Goals¶

• complete occupational training programs
• pass certification exams
• secure relevant employment

Related Strategies¶

• Project Quest Program Element
• Wraparound student supports: navigator, financial supports, and job placement assistance
• Colleges can adopt evidence-based support practices—wrap-around advising, proactive advising, non-tuition financial support, co-requisite courses, early alert systems, and disaggregated data—to improve completion

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Project QUEST (Quality Employment through Skills Training) Intervention Report | Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Topic Area. (2021). What Works Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Education. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/InterventionReport/723