Structure of Effective Occupational Programs in Washington State

May 2009–July 2013

This study examined program organization and practices of community and technical college occupational programs that are effective in enabling low-income young adults to complete credentials and obtain employment. The study tested whether highly structured and focused programs that provide students with a more directed curriculum and proactive student supports lead to better outcomes for students who are not well prepared for college-level work. As part of this work, CCRC developed a statistical methodology that community colleges can use to determine whether or not students are pursuing coherent programs of study that lead to credentials.

This study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Project Lead

Davis Jenkins