Year Up Job Training Evaluation

Summary

The MDRC evaluation of Year Up, using random assignment created by program oversubscription, found one of the largest sustained earnings effects ever documented in workforce development research. Participants earned 53% more than the control group at year three — a gap that, unusually, was larger than the short-run effect, suggesting skills continued to compound. The program is notable for its cost-effectiveness relative to effect size. The evaluation is a model for studying programs that cannot be experimentally assigned: oversubscribed waitlist lotteries create valid randomization without requiring random denial of service.

Research question

"Does intensive workforce development training for young adults increase earnings?"

Methodology

Result

Positive

+53% earnings gain for Year Up participants; $8,000 more per year at year 3

Evidence strength

Strong

Randomized controlled trial with large sample.

Replication status

Partially replicated