The author presents an evaluation of a job-training demonstration program that targeted highly
disadvantaged individuals residing in a high unemployment community for delivery of custom
ized job-training and intensive case-management and supportive services. She found that
geographical targeting aided the effort to recruit and cost-effectively serve the highly disadvan
taged. Despite their disadvantages, demonstration program participants achieved significantly
higher wages and eamings at termination than did comparison group members, and the program
produced a statistically significant earnings impact for participants over a 2-year period.
Participants who received on-the-job training experienced the largest earnings gains, although
on average, the program's effects diminished over time. The author recommends extending the
provision of intensive case-management and supportive services into the postplacement period
to increase employment retention.
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