The Role of Education and Training in Welfare Reform

Publication Date: April 2002

Publisher: Brookings Institution

Author(s): Judith M. Gueron; Gayle Hamilton

Research Area: Labor; Social conditions

Keywords: welfare-to-work programs; education; work training

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

In recent years, single mothers on welfare have gone to work in unprecedented numbers. But with limited skills and work histories, they usually get low-paying jobs and remain in poverty. The situation is especially acute for the half of the caseload that does not graduate from high school. Since recipients with higher skills tend to get better jobs, it seems logical that education and training should play a central role in welfare reform. But what kind of role?