SRG conducted multiple evaluations of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program in Ohio: (1) a Process Evaluation, (2) two Outcome Evaluations, and 3) an Impact Evaluation/Follow-up Study.

The Process Evaluation examined the way the WIA program in Ohio functions and identified potential barriers to program success in terms of program implementation, management strategies and program costs. Services consisted of statewide interviews of directors of county workforce development programs; customer satisfaction interviews of participants in workforce development programs and employers who have received services from county JFS Labor Exchange; case studies of 20 JFS WIA offices across the state; and data processing and management including evaluation of communication with the state staff, provision of services, and participant outcomes.

SRG conducted several Outcome Evaluations of the WIA program for ODJFS. These Outcome Evaluations examine results or changes due to WIA program participation. The findings aid ODJFS in setting performance standards and measurements for program success. Services consisted of reconfiguring and merging statewide databases including economic indicators, wage data, and occupational data with participant characteristics and employment outcome data from participants in Ohio's workforce development programs; and statistical analysis to identify items that are most likely to result in positive employment outcomes.

Finally, the Impact Evaluation/Follow-up Study examined the long-term impact the WIA program had on former participants 12-18 months after exiting the program. Of particular interest was the degree to which program participation resulted in measurable improvements to individuals, families, and communities overall. Services consisted of questionnaire development; telephone interviews with former WIA program participants; data processing and management; and data analysis, including longitudinal analysis.
Additionally, for all evaluations, comprehensive reports were developed that included an Executive Summary, a detailed discussion of the findings, and strategic recommendations.