Job ChalleNGe Participant Focus Groups Protocol

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Participant Focus Group Protocol

Job ChalleNGe Implementation Study

Focus Group Discussion Script:

First, we’d like to get to know everyone a bit.

1. Can you please tell us a little bit about…

   1. Which training track you’re pursuing at Job ChalleNGe

   2. What kind of job you expect to get after you graduate from Job ChalleNGe

   3. …And then, where you stand on the contentious age-old debate: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

As we continue our discussion, we’re going to ask you some questions about Job ChalleNGe overall, as well as in your technical training programs in particular. When we ask about Job ChalleNGe, we’re trying to focus your attention on the residential component, physical training, and activities that happen on post and over the weekend. When we ask about your training program, we’re asking about instruction and experiences related to your classes that you’re taking to earn your certificates and credentials. Do you have any questions?

2. Can you tell us a little bit about why you chose to come to Job ChalleNGe?

   1. How is Job ChalleNGe going to help you reach the goals you shared earlier?

   2. Was there anything that made you unsure about whether to come?

3. Can you describe some of the things that have been the most exciting or rewarding about your experience attending Job ChalleNGe?

   1. What “wins” (or moments of accomplishment) have you had since you started?

   2. What makes these things exciting/rewarding?

4. Can you describe some of the things that have been the most challenging about your experience at Job ChalleNGe?

   1. Probe: Coursework/training, Campus experience, Residential living, Peers, Outside personal considerations

   2. What makes these things challenging?

   3. How does this affect your ability to study and build skills in your chosen trade?

5. Do you have access to resources that can support you during challenges you encounter in Job ChalleNGe?

   1. Probe: While residing on the Job ChalleNGe site? Through your training program/community college?

   2. Can you provide some examples of these resources that you or your peers have received from within Job ChalleNGe? From your training program/community college?

6. Can you describe what it’s like to live on site?

   1. Are there benefits to living with other students in the program? Are there downsides to living with other students in the program?

   2. What is your relationship like with the cadre? With other staff?

      1. Probe: Supportive? Helpful? Relatable? Accessible?

7. Can you please tell us about your training program and campus experience?

   1. Are you finding your instructors’ teaching useful for your learning? Why or why not?

      1. Please describe their teaching.

      2. Probe: Do/es your current instructor(s) do anything differently from past instructors?

   2. Tell us about the skills you are learning in your training programs.

      1. Can you explain for us how these skills will help you get a good job and build a career?

8. How do Job ChalleNGe and your training program help you prepare for your career and find a job?

   1. What kind of help do you receive for finding jobs after the program?

   2. Can you describe for us the process for searching and applying to jobs in your training field after the program?

      1. Probe: Searching job posts, resume development, interviewing

      2. Probe: Which of these skills did you have before Job ChalleNGe? Which have you developed while in Job ChalleNGe?

   3. What do you need to do to have a successful career in your training field?

      1. Probe: Further training? Additional education?

9. What do you think Job ChalleNGe’s role should be in helping students, like you, achieve their goals?

   1. Does Job ChalleNGe fulfill that role? Why or why not?

10. If you could provide advice to the Job ChalleNGe program director about how to improve Job ChalleNGe, what would it be?

    1. What would you tell the director to not change?

11. Is there anything that we didn’t discuss today that you think is important for us to know about Job ChalleNGe?

Individual information collection

Administered at the conclusion of focus group (paper and pencil).

Using the next 5 minutes, please tell us a little about yourself and your plans for after Job ChalleNGe by completing this brief form. Responding to these questions is voluntary. You can choose to not answer a question or stop completing the form at any time.

1. [In states where relevant] Which Youth ChalleNGe program did you graduate from?

2. When did you complete Youth ChalleNGe?

Month:

Year:

3. What is your job training track in Job ChalleNGe?

4. What are your plans for after Job ChalleNGe? Check all that apply.

☐ Enroll in an Associate’s degree program in a two‐year community college or technical institute

☐ Enroll in a Bachelor’s degree program in a college or university

☐ Obtain a license or certificate in a career field

☐ Attend a registered apprenticeship program

☐ Join the armed services (e.g., Army, Navy)

☐ Return to a previous job

☐ Get a new job

☐ Return to a previous job

☐ Start a family

☐ Travel

☐ Do volunteer or missionary work 

☐ Not sure what I want to do

☐ Other (specify): ________________________

5. What is your gender? Please circle the response that best reflects how you identify.

Female

Male

Non-binary

Other

6. How old are you? Please circle one answer.

   1. 18

   2. 19

   3. 20

   4. 21

   5. 22 or older

7. Have you earned a high diploma or equivalent? Please circle one answer.

   1. Yes, I have earned a high school diploma

   2. Yes, I have earned a high school diploma equivalent (e.g., GED, HiSET, TASC)

   3. No, but I am actively working towards my diploma

   4. No

8. What’s the highest level of education completed by either of your parent(s)/guardian(s)? Please circle one answer.

1. Some high school

2. Completed high school

3. Completed a GED, HiSet or equivalent

4. Some college beyond high school (including trade schools)

5. Completed college or trade school

6. Graduate or professional school (for example, law school)

7. Don’t know/not applicable

8. Other (specify): ________________________