A Jobs Initiative Research Brief

Approaches to Measuring and Tracking Career Advancement

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

October 26, 2005

Summary

Sadly, one out of four working families does not earn enough to meet its basic financial needs. In response, a priority of the Casey Foundation’s Jobs Initiative was to improve programs and policies around career advancement through the use of data. This research brief explores the findings and challenges of data collected over an eight-year period on thousands of individuals placed in jobs as a result of this effort.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Investing in Career Advancement and Data Collection

To effectively collect data on workers placed through the Jobs Initiative over the long-term, participating employers must be willing to invest in measurement tools and tracking technologies as well as offer worker incentives – from providing transportation passes to hosting alumni events – that help keep participating employees engaged with their organization,and inspired to advance their careers.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations