The Equitable Transition Model Demonstration (ETM) Grants will identify evidence-based solutions that improve the training and employment of disabled youth and young adults, particularly for those who have historically faced many barriers to good jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in collaboration with DOL's Employment and Training Administration awarded approximately $10.5 million in the first operational year of the ETM Grants to four states: Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, and New York.
These grantees will use Good Jobs Principles to develop scalable strategies for removing barriers to employment for multiply marginalized Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities (Y&YAD) ages 14 to 24. Grantees may focus on low-income Y&YAD as well as those experiencing homelessness, leaving foster care, or involved in the justice system. The ETM Grants will help the states increase their capacity to develop employment strategies for underserved Y&YAD and their families.
Along with the ETM Grants there are two contracts – a technical assistance contract and an evaluation contract. The Manhattan Strategy Group has been contracted by ODEP to provide technical assistance to the grantees. Abt Global has been contracted by DOL's Chief Evaluation Office to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the demonstration projects' implementation and outcomes, as well as an evaluability assessment on the feasibility of an impact evaluation.