New Evaluations Released on DOL’s High-Tech Training Programs for Disadvantaged Individuals

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently released evaluations of its H-1B TechHire Partnership Grants (TechHire) and Strengthening Working Families Initiative (SWFI) programs where participation in these new occupational skills training programs were evaluated relative to a control group. The reports describe implementation findings, early outcomes, and early impacts from a randomized control trial. Westat and our partner MDRC evaluated the strategies used in the programs.

TechHire and the SWFI, launched in 2015, were designed to prepare disadvantaged individuals for well-paying middle- and high-skilled jobs in high-growth H-1B industries through a range of training strategies, including accelerated training and online options. Additionally, SWFI sought to streamline access to child care for disadvantaged workers. Early results from the randomized control trial indicate that the programs increased participation in occupational skills training relative to a control group.

Westat and MDRC are continuing the study to provide longer term information on labor market impacts for participants 3 years after study enrollment.

The Reports:

• Training for High-Tech Jobs: Implementation and Early Impacts from the TechHire and Strengthening Working Families Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial (PDF) (November 2021)
• Evaluation of the TechHire and Strengthening Working Families Initiative Grant Programs: Findings from the Implementation Study (PDF) (November 2021)
• Early Outcomes Study Report: Evaluation of the TechHire and Strengthening Working Families Initiative Grans Program (PDF) (November 2021)