Online2Workforce (O2W)

The evaluation of this program includes three overlapping elements of mixed method design. The first phase of evaluation research is a pre-implementation review of a similar intervention currently used by the lead college. This pre-work is intended to inform subsequent implementation of the proposed accelerated training model and impact the formative evaluation design. The second element of evaluation is a longitudinal comparative case study of program implementation that will be conducted to provide formative assessment for the participating college as well as to document the efficacy of the program as it unfolds. Finally, a quantitative outcome evaluation for a participant cohort will be conducted analyzing employment and wage outcomes relative to either a) historical cohorts completing the same certificate programs and/or b) comparison cohorts of individuals from the same recruitment pool who did not participate in or complete the proposed training intervention. Random assignment of participants is not technically possible in this project as participants self-select into the intervention. In addition to the preliminary report used to establish the implementation rubric for assessment, and annual evaluation reports used for formal data review by all participating colleges, the evaluation team will produce an interim report for the Department of Labor in the spring of 2015 and a final report at the end of the grant period, no later than April of 2017.