Propelling Futures Forward: Jobs-First Pathways in Healthcare for Young Adults
Millions of young adults in the United States struggle to access stable, good‑paying jobs. At the same time, the healthcare industry is facing a major workforce shortage, with nearly 1.9 million job openings expected each year.
Propel America, founded in 2019, helps address both challenges by offering young adults ages 18–26 tuition‑free, employer‑connected training that prepares them for in‑demand healthcare careers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and California.
Propel America provides personalized coaching, opportunities to earn college credit, and guaranteed job interviews. Participants train for high‑growth roles such as Medical Assistant and Sterile Processing Technician.
AIR is partnering with Propel America to evaluate the program’s impact and identify what is needed to scale effective sector‑based workforce training for higher‑wage healthcare pathways.
Every young adult deserves a fair shot at a career with real mobility. What excites me most about this study is the chance to rigorously test a model designed to expand opportunities by connecting young adults to high quality career pathways.
– Neha Nanda, Project Director
This evaluation is supported by the Sector Training Evidence-Building Project (STEP), an initiative lead by Ascendium Education Group and MDRC.
AIR’s Evaluation Plan
During this five-year evaluation, AIR will conduct:
- An impact study using a randomized controlled trial to measure the program’s effects on credentials, employment, and earnings.
- An implementation study to assess program fidelity and participant experiences.
- A cost study to estimate the program’s cost-effectiveness and near-term return on investment.
AIR will generate evidence on the effectiveness of Propel America’s model and offer insights into how sectoral training programs can drive economic mobility for young adults.
