The Economic Mobility Corporation conducted a small experimental study of Year Up, a one-year training program in information technology or investment operations for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, which found significant impacts on earnings, but not on employment. In the second year follow-up, the earnings of individuals selected to participate in the program was almost $3,500 more than those who were placed on a waiting list. Though this study was small-scale, the earnings gains for program participants was statistically significant, leading to the publication of “A Promising Start” (see below for link).
In May 2014, the Economic Mobility Corporation published a follow up report (“Sustained Gains”–see below for link) to this initial study. The group was able to follow study participants for three years post-program. This extended evaluation found that participants’ earnings were 32% greater than the control group; Year Up’s participants earned about $13,000 more than members of the control group. Year Up’s participants averaged $14.21/hour, $2.51 more than the control group. Participants who gained employment in Year Up’s targeted occupations, information technology or investment operations, earned the highest hourly wages. For the complete report, see below.
Most recent report (2014):
Sustained Gains: Year Up’s Continued Impact on Young Adult’s Earnings
Previous report (2011):
A Promising Start: Year Up’s Initial Impacts on Low-Income Young Adults’ Careers
Additionally, Abt Associates created a profile for OPRE’s Innovative Strategies to Increase Self-Sufficiency Project (ISIS), a random assignment evaluation of nine promising career pathways programs.
ISIS Career Pathways Program Profile: Year Up (August 2014)