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Unpublished Paper
Return on Investment in Workforce Development Programs
Upjohn Institute Working Papers
  • Kevin M. Hollenbeck, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Publication Date
11-8-2012
Series
Upjohn Institute working paper ; 12-188
DOI
10.17848/wp12-188
Abstract

Under more and more fiscal scrutiny because of shrinking state and local budgets, workforce development programs are being asked to estimate their return on investment (ROI). This paper introduces basic concepts of ROI in workforce development programs. It distinguishes ROIs estimated for workforce programs from those that are estimated for financial investments or capital projects. The paper furthermore exposits the basic ingredients of an ROI study—identification of the treatment and time periods of analysis, identification of the net impacts of the program, and identification of net costs. Finally, the paper presents results from the estimation of the ROI for postsecondary career and technical education in the State of Washington.

Issue Date
November 8, 2012
Citation Information
Hollenbeck, Kevin M. 2012. "Return on Investment in Workforce Development Programs." Upjohn Institute Working Paper 12-188. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.