Research Report Findings from the Accelerating Opportunity Evaluation
Subtitle
Building the Evidence on Integrated Career Pathways
Lauren Eyster, Theresa Anderson, Robert I. Lerman, Daniel Kuehn, Burt S. Barnow, Maureen Conway, Ranita Jain, Marcela Montes
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This brief summarizes findings from implementation, impact, and cost-benefit evaluations of Accelerating Opportunity (AO). AO is a career pathways initiative launched in 2011 that aims to help adults with low basic skills earn valued occupational credentials, obtain well-paying jobs, and sustain rewarding careers. AO was one of the first efforts to replicate and scale key elements of Washington state's Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) model. The evaluation took place in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana. The evidence shows that AO holds promise for changing college systems and promoting educational gains among low-skilled adults. Earnings impacts are mixed.
Research and Evidence Work, Education, and Labor
Expertise Higher Education Workforce Development Apprenticeships
Tags Higher education Employment and education Job training Beyond high school: Education and training