Year Up Job Training Evaluation
MDRC / Year Up · United States (multiple cities) · 2018
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
Intervention
Year Up: six months of technical and professional skills training plus six-month internship, targeted to low-income young adults 18–24
Assignment
Randomized controlled trial (oversubscribed program lottery)
Sample size
2,544 young adults
Primary outcome
Earnings at 2–3 years post-enrollment
Effect estimate
+53% earnings gain for Year Up participants; $8,000 more per year at year 3
Decision
Year Up scaled to 30+ cities; federal funding secured through Social Innovation Fund
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
Institution
MDRC / Year Up
Location
United States (multiple cities)
Year
2018
Policy area
Financial Services
Mechanism
Human capital