| The purpose of this study was to learn if the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Job Training Program at a local community college produced outcomes that resulted in year-round employment at a higher level of income. The program was federally funded by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and targeted specifically to migrant and seasonal farmworkers or their dependents. The study was longitudinal, covering all program participants for the seven-year period, 1992–98.; Data was obtained from The Indian River Community College Farmworker Jobs and Education Program that has been in operation for more than 30 years. Closed records covered 722 migrant and seasonal farmworker participants over the seven-year period and the sample was inclusive, not random. Data analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 11.5), determined that 424 participants completed the training program. Differences in personal characteristics, environmental, academic, and institutional factors were analyzed between completers and non-completers.; Findings of the study indicated that age was not a factor as to whether participants completed the program. More males than females finished the program. A higher percentage of White and Hispanic males as compared to Black males completed the program. The more education and work experience participants brought to the program, the more likely they were to complete the program. Length of training and academic remediation made no difference in regards to program completion. Most importantly, the wage at termination for program completers was significantly larger in real dollars before and after program costs were factored in.; The study was limited by the inability to track the non-completers. It was also limited to the four-county service area in South Florida and may not represent outcomes in other areas.; Recommendations for future research include determining why participants are non-completers. Another area to investigate would be the indirect or social benefits participants receive which may be as beneficial or more important than the direct financial benefits. |
