{"id":7432,"date":"2022-03-30T14:00:56","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T18:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jointcenter.org\/?p=7432"},"modified":"2022-06-21T11:49:53","modified_gmt":"2022-06-21T15:49:53","slug":"federal-workforce-trainings-programs-frequently-fail-to-track-data-by-race-reveals-report-from-joint-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jointcenter.org\/federal-workforce-trainings-programs-frequently-fail-to-track-data-by-race-reveals-report-from-joint-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal Workforce Trainings Programs Frequently Fail to Track Data by Race, Reveals Report from Joint Center"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Federal Workforce Trainings Programs Frequently Fail to Track Data by Race, Reveals Report from Joint Center<\/b><\/h3>\n

Increasing number of Black workers who transition into good jobs depends on effectiveness of training programs<\/i><\/h4>\n

WASHINGTON, DC <\/b>\u2014 Today, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies<\/strong> released a report revealing that too few of federal\/federally-funded workforce training programs track outcomes by race. The new report also outlines key recommendations for improving results and achieving greater equity for Black participants in workforce training programs.<\/p>\n

\u201cImproving Training Evaluation Data to Brighten the Future of Black Workers<\/a>\u201d evaluates 80 career pathways training programs, including those offered by community colleges, state and regional workforce agencies, and others. Joint Center researchers found that just 27 programs tracked the race of participants and a mere six programs reported outcomes by race. Just four programs reported positive outcomes for Black workers: Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative, the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, the WorkAdvance Demonstration, and Year Up.<\/p>\n

Joint Center researchers argue that to improve performance accountability among programs, federal, state, and local officials should use more robust data analysis \u2013 including careful evaluation of disaggregated racial data \u2013 to advance racial equity in workforce training.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout evaluating these programs based on race, we’re flying completely blind about potential racial disparities. Programs like these have historically been rife with structural inequity, and the first step in correcting it is to understand precisely where, and to what degree, it exists,\u201d said Dr. Alex Camardelle, director of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center and co-author of the report<\/b>. \u201cIt is essential that research on training policies and practices address racial disparities in the labor market and focus on linking job seekers to high-quality employment if we are to ensure Black workers have access to good jobs in the future economy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among the four programs reporting positive outcomes for Black participants, their practices varied. Some emphasized strong case management and addressed barriers that might otherwise prevent students from completing training, like child care and transportation. Some provided financial supports such as weekly stipends or funding for textbooks and other course materials. However, the Joint Center found that all four programs leveraged strong sectoral connections. The programs used strong ties to employers or unions to help understand the needs of the labor market and place job seekers into internships or permanent employment.<\/p>\n

While four programs showed promising results for Black participants, Joint Center scholars also revealed disparities in outcomes by race and ethnicity. None of the studies examined which factors may have contributed to the racial disparities, and none analyzed the effects of particular program elements on the outcomes for Black participants or any other groups of color. Thus, while the results from these programs present helpful insights, they also have limitations.<\/p>\n

The Joint Center made the following recommendations for lawmakers:<\/p>\n