Policymakers at the state and federal levels have expressed concern over the emerging "skills gap"--the mismatch between the job skills employers are looking for and the skills that applicants in the labor market possess. The skills gap is most acute for middle-skilled jobs; that is, jobs that require training beyond high school but less…

In the nation today, 4.6 million young adults ages 16 to 24 are out of school and unemployed. More than one-third live in poverty. For these young people, commonly referred to as opportunity youth, building skills and gaining work experience are key to upward mobility. However, they face significant barriers to entering the labor market.…

With the growing demand for highly skilled workers and declining wages for those who are less skilled, low-income youth with limited education and no work experience have few opportunities for gainful employment. Since the Great Depression, the federal government has been funding programs that provide low-income, out-of-school, and unemployed…

This bibliography summarizes recent research on the structure and effectiveness of workforce development programs. While the term "workforce development" can mean many things, this document focuses on programs to help low-skill, low-wage and displaced workers increase their employment and earnings, as well as labor market trends that…

"Job Corps," a federally funded education and job training program for economically disadvantaged youth, offers remedial education, GED (General Educational Development) preparation, vocational training, job placement assistance, and other supports. "Job Corps" participants typically reside in a "Job Corps" center…

Reviews youth employment and training programs since 1962. Concludes that successful programs share the following characteristics: (1) a focus on chronic unemployment; (2) comprehensive remedial programs and human services; (3) early intervention; and (4) connections to mainstream institutions. (FMW)

Mondale discusses the current state and future trends of youth employment, focusing on the recommendations of the Task Force on Youth Employment. Included in the discussion are minority unemployment rates, private industry cooperation, and the increasing importance of education in two areas--basic skills and career preparation. (SK)

This paper presents the recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on Job Corps to the Secretary of Labor pertaining to the review, development and implementation of policies, legislation and regulations for the Job Corps program. This document represents the culmination of an intensive and comprehensive nine-month process undertaken by the…

The General Accounting Office compared state youth training programs with the Job Corps using the four program features that, taken together, characterize the Job Corps program: (1) serving a severely disadvantaged population, (2) providing basic education instruction, (3) focusing on vocational training services, and (4) providing these services…

This report presents data and findings on the economic impact of Job Corps on its participants and analyses of the program's benefits in relation to its costs. Findings are based on postprogram experience of individuals enrolled in the Job Corps in 1977, compared to a group of disadvantaged youth not in the program. The first three chapters…

This document comprises a department-by-department review of the major federal programs and activities serving youth in 1989-90. Youth initiatives in the following agencies are described and new activities and significant changes are discussed: (1) U.S. Department of Labor; (2) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; (3) U.S. Department of…

This congressional hearing focuses on a General Accounting Office (GAO) examination of the Department of Labor's management of Job Corps recruitment and placement contractors. Its focuses are how the contractors demand and measure success in two of the four strategy areas--client commitment and client placement in a job with long-term…

A study investigated how 22 Service Delivery Areas (SDAs) were implementing the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). In 19 SDAs the same organization was the grant recipient and administrative entity. A number of arrangements existed between the Private Industry Councils (PICs) and the SDAs. The most common pattern was for the PIC to play an…

The organization, operations, participants, and achievements of the Neighborhood Youth Corps are described. Tables, graphs, and photographs also provide information on this program. (NH)

Title I of the Workforce Investment Act (1998) overhauled the Job Training Partnership Act programs, creating new methods that allow local providers to meet the education, training, and employment needs of low-income adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Separate legislation revised federal vocational and technical-education assistance.…