Back on Track - Opportunity Works
Study type
Quasi-experimental studies
Qualitative or implementation studies
Study includes subgroup analysis
Location
California
Connecticut
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Washington
Population
Young people under 25
Young people without a high school credential
Impacts measured
Education
- High school completion (diploma or equivalent)
- Postsecondary enrollment
- Postsecondary persistence
Well-being
- Financial capability
- Connection to school/work
- Justice system involvement
Practices
Secondary Education
- Preparation or instruction for high school diploma
- Preparation or instruction for high school equivalency
- High school reengagement
- Dual enrollment in high school and college programs
Postsecondary Education
- Pre-enrollment supports for transition to postsecondary
- Postsecondary education advising and coaching after enrollment
- Academic supports for postsecondary success
- Occupational skills training, sectoral training, and industry-recognized credential training
- Supports to pay for postsecondary education
Job and Career Education and Training
- Career exploration and career counseling
- Work readiness training
- Pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training for a particular industry
- Temporary and transitional work experiences
Employment Placement and Supports
- Job placement
Support Services
- Mental and behavioral health supports
- Supports for basic needs
- Parenting, pregnancy and child care supports
- Post-program supports
- Life skills and financial literacy
- Legal services
Youth Development and Engagement Approaches
- Stipends and incentives
- Connections to a caring adult
Other Implementation Practices
- Collective impact approaches
- Use of technology to deliver services or promote engagement
Publications
Anderson, Theresa, Breno Braga, Teresa Derrick-Mills, Alan Dodkowitz, H. Elizabeth Peters, Charmaine Runes, and Mary Winkler. 2019. New Insights into the Back on Track Model's Effects on Opportunity Youth Outcomes: Opportunity Works Final Evaluation Report. Washington, DC: Urban Institute.
https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/95406/opportunity-works-implementation-report_0_0.pdf
Anderson, Theresa, Breno Braga, Neil Damron, Teresa Derrick-Mills, Alan Dodkowitz, Micaela Lipman, Amanda Martin-Caughey, H Elizabeth Peters, Eleanor Pratt, and Mary K Winkler. 2017. Opportunity Works Implementation Report. Washington, DC: Urban Institute.
https://www.urban.org/research/publication/opportunity-works-implementation-report
In Compendium
Yes
Programs in compendium