American Economic Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
High Schools Tailored to Adults Can Help Them Complete a Traditional Diploma and Excel in the Labor Market
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
vol. 16,
no. 4, November 2024
(pp. 34–67)
Abstract
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.Citation
Brough, Rebecca, David C. Phillips, and Patrick S. Turner. 2024. "High Schools Tailored to Adults Can Help Them Complete a Traditional Diploma and Excel in the Labor Market." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 16 (4): 34–67. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20230053Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- I21 Analysis of Education
- I26 Returns to Education
- J24 Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
- J31 Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
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