Participant Interview Topic Guide_updated

Job Corps Evidence Building Portfolio Project

Topic Guide for Participant Interviews

Job Corps Pilot Study Participant Interview Topics
Participant Characteristics	Participant background, including prior education and work experience, including experience with other programs
Recruitment, Intake and Admissions	How learned about program Reasons for applying to this program, education and employment goals Experience with application and enrollment procedures, including assessments and eligibility determination Experience with onboarding/ orientation/ probational or trial period
Education Services and Academic Supports	Participation in academic planning activities Participation in and experience with secondary education activities (HSD, GED Participation in and experience with education and training preparation activities (career exploration, FAFSA, study skills) Participation in and experience with postsecondary academic services and supports (e.g. General education college courses, developmental education, supports for English Language learners) Participation in and experience with academic support services (tutoring, academic improvement plans, etc.)
Career and Technical Training	Experience in selecting and enrolling in training activities Participation in and experience with career and technical training assessment activities Participation in and experience with postsecondary career and technical training activities Participation in and experience with career and technical training supports (e.g. tutoring, study hall, test prep)
Personal and Career Counseling Services	Participation in and experience with counseling services, including frequency, dosage, format Participation in and experience with mentoring and coaching Participation in and experience with peer supports
Employment Services	Participation in and experience with career readiness services (e.g. career exploration, resume building, Job search assistance, job shadows, and interview training) Participation in and experience with employment counseling including meeting frequency, length, format Participation in and experience with work-based learning (apprenticeships/ on-the-job training/ internships/ job shadowing) Participation in and experience with employment placement services
Post-separation services	Future plans post-separation Engagement and experiences with school, work and/or military since separation Perception of preparedness for post-separation employment, education, etc. Participation in and perception of post-program services
Support services	Participation in and experience with life skills training/ activities (e.g., financial counseling, study skills, soft skills) Participation in and experience with support services Mental health and Wellness services Transportation assistance Food assistance Housing assistance Parenting supports/assistance Referrals Technological supports Employment during program participation Experience with stipends/ cash assistance Experience participating as a nonresidential participation (transportation to/from program, housing stability, access to supports, etc.) Participation in and experience with residential services (housing, meals)
Student life/ Culture and Climate	Experience with staff Experience with students (relationships, peer support, cohorts) Level of student engagement/retention Experience with program policies and rules Participation in and experience with student life activities
Reflections	Overall experience in program Suggestions for potential program improvements
COVID-19 Response	Perception of how COVID-19 affected participants’ goals and experience in the program Perception of program response to COVID-19

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