Examining Differences between Early Exiters and Program Completers for the Inclusive Career Advancement Program

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Career and Post-Graduation Plans

Abstract

The Inclusive Career Advancement Program (ICAP) was designed to advance educational and economic equity for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)-eligible Oregonians with disabilities. Midway through this program, the evaluation team observed a large number of participants prematurely exiting. To determine who these early exiters (EEs) were and why they were leaving before completing their education, we compared EEs to program continuers (PCs) using a mixed-methods approach. Findings indicate EEs exited prematurely in part due to external factors such as poor mental or physical health, financial insecurity, inadequate support services, and/or poor program fit (e.g., disinterest in pursuing education or mismatch in support services with program/participant need). These findings suggest the need for a more targeted approach to recruitment and service delivery.

Authors

• Jennifer Brooks, Cornell University

• Valerie Malzer, Cornell University

• Katherine Brendli Brown, Cornell University

• Leslie Shaw, Cornell University