The School to Employment Program (STEP) operated during 1992-93 as an employment-oriented program served economically disadvantaged, out-of-school youth between the ages of 16-21, with special emphasis on 18- and 19-year-olds. Program participants were provided an opportunity to engage in work experience or on-the-job training, to improve academic…

This testimony of the President of Public/Private Ventures (PPV) in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) is on the subject of designing effective youth services programs, particularly in light of the PPV's experience with its program, Summer Training and Education Program (STEP). Following a description of the background for this and similar programs, the…

A study was done to examine the reasons why Puerto Rican youth from the Holyoke (Massachusetts) Public School System drop out of high school and the effect of dropping out of school on the Latino community. The study was conducted using data provided by the Holyoke School Department and drawn from Students' cumulative folders and school district…

Chapter 1, Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) is the largest Federal program aiding elementary schools and secondary schools. Some 51,000 schools, including over 75% of the nation's elementary schools, receive Chapter 1 money, which they use to prove supplementary educational services to low-achieving students in…

This paper serves as a basic introduction to the problems associated with minority participation in postsecondary education. It focuses on those educational factors identified in the literature as having an important effect on postsecondary participation by minorities. The paper shows that the problem of minority participation is a far-reaching…

This briefing document summarizes issues on simplifying need analysis and delivery in the context of Higher Education Act reauthorization proposals. First, brief summaries of seven key issues are presented followed by three or four recommendations for each issue, and a list of recommended actions as proposed by the Department of Education and the…

A study examined the feasibility of using a "nonexperimental" technique to evaluate Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs for economically disadvantaged adults. New statistical techniques were applied to data about a sample of Utah JTPA participants and data about Employment Security registrants linked with their individual…

This study explored the range of service program approaches to promote college attendance, described typical programs, and reviewed issues related to program evaluation. A reputational sample of programs was obtained through interviews with 5 national higher-education organizations and 10 state departments of education, and through a literature…

This document is intended to be a guide for action for people concerned about the youths who live alone on the streets of America without the nurturing, protection, and supervision of caring adults. It describes the varied activities, knowledge, and skills and outreach program needs to provide services to these youth who are living on the streets.…

As a result of federal legislation aimed at welfare reform, states have been transforming welfare in new ways. Critical questions remain, however, and policymakers must continue to develop new ideas and implement programs from other states. This book contributes to the learning process among states by sharing program innovations and analyses to…

In contrast to research models that allude to the deficiencies of children whose parents are characterized as at-risk, this literature review focuses on the potential achievements of these children. The review attempts to heighten awareness of the efforts of researchers to provide a theoretical basis for advancing programs that foster a positive…

With the passage of federal welfare reform in 1996, accountability for the well-being of low-income families has shifted substantially from the federal government to the states, making it increasingly important to assess the economic well-being of children at the state level. This research brief examines the differences in poverty rates for…

In 1997, the Institute for Children and Poverty of Homes for the Homeless joined with more than 58 organizations from 10 cities across the country to develop a national snapshot of family homelessness in the United States. Nearly 800 families were surveyed. This report presents the results of this research. The typical homeless family in the…

Despite stereotypes to the contrary, homelessness is as prevalent in rural as urban areas. This digest examines the implications of homelessness for rural children and youth and discusses possible actions by rural educators. An estimated half of the rural homeless are families with children. Compared to urban counterparts, rural homeless families…

Education for Employment (EFE) is an intervention program offered by the Chesapeake Public School Division (Virginia) Vocational Education Department to motivate high school students to stay in school by offering a program of basic living skills, human relations skills, and marketable skills training that prepares a student for employment on…