Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- This strategy can help address educational disparities and provide assistance to unemployed workers. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve these outcomes are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program overview
Preparing participants for well-paid careers: Project QUEST is a comprehensive job training program that prepares adults with low incomes for employment in high-demand fields. The program aims to help participants secure long-term employment and increase their earning potential.
Geared toward adults who have completed secondary education: To participate in the program, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have previously obtained a high school diploma or equivalent credential, and have a commitment to training for and working in an in-demand career field. Those who apply without a high school diploma or equivalent credential are connected to a community partner that will prepare them to take a high school equivalency exam.
Connecting participants to occupational training: The Project QUEST model relies on community colleges and other professional training organizations to provide participants with occupational training. Project QUEST connects participants to these programs with the goal of helping participants pass certification exams and secure jobs in an in-demand field. Participants may obtain training for roles in healthcare, manufacturing and trades, and information technology.
Providing wrap-around support services: To help participants complete their occupational training, Project QUEST provides personal, financial, and academic support services to all participants. These supports include financial assistance for tuition and fees, career coaching and soft skill development, job placement assistance, and more.
- Strategies
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Sector-specific job training
- Cost per Participant
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$10,501 per participant
A single study with a rigorous design provides some evidence for Project QUEST as an effective workforce training program.
- A 2021 randomized controlled trial found that, over an eleven-year study period, QUEST participants earned an average of $31,395 more and were 13 percentage points more likely to have earned a postsecondary credential than members of the control group.
Note: This content is under review.
Match programming to local needs: When replicating job training programs like Project QUEST in a new community, local leaders should partner with area employers and post-secondary institutions to identify career paths that will be in-demand in the local labor market. Matching program offerings to the needs of the local economy increases the employability of program graduates and builds support for Project QUEST with local stakeholders. In addition, strong relationships with area employers may improve the chances of program trainees securing employment at those organizations.
Conduct outreach to potential participants: To ensure potential participants can access services through a job training program, local leaders should build a referral network that includes organizations that regularly engage adults with lower incomes (e.g., social service agencies, high school equivalency training programs). Familiarizing these partners with Project QUEST eligibility requirements and application processes may increase enrollment in the program.
Create a structured screening and intake process: As Project QUEST requires participants to commit to training and employment in a particular field, a structured screening and intake process is needed to ensure good fit between applicants and an occupational training program. Staff should screen applicants to determine their eligibility, assess their interests and skills, and address potential barriers to completing the program. Ultimately, this process allows counselors to help participants develop an academic plan, determine a timeline for program completion, and estimate any costs the participant may be responsible for.
Develop relationships with community partners: The Project QUEST model relies on community colleges and other professional training organizations to provide participants with occupational training. Establishing formal relationships with these organizations allows Project QUEST to seamlessly connect participants to training opportunities. In addition, partnerships with social service agencies, healthcare providers, and other community based organizations allows Project QUEST to connect participants to support services beyond those provided in-house.