High Schools Tailored to Adults Can Help Them Complete a Traditional Diploma and Excel in the Labor Market

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Brough, Rebecca; Phillips, David C.; Turner, Patrick S.
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California Davis; University of Notre Dame
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-ECONOMIC POLICY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7731
• DOI: 10.1257/pol.20230053
• 发表日期: 2024
• 页码: 34-67
• 关键词: signaling value; education; earnings; returns; program; rates

摘要

Over 18 million adults in the United States lack a high school credential. While some go on to attain the GED, diplomas are potentially more valuable. A network of high schools helps adults graduate by providing tailored curricula, nonacademic coaching, onsite child care, and transportation. After five years, earnings increase by 38 percent more for graduates than nonenrolling applicants. We address selection by conditioning on preapplication earnings and comparing to students who exit after positive shocks. Much of the wage gains can be accounted for by sectoral switching and evidence on credential completions is consistent with a human capital mechanism.