Lessons Learned from 40 Years of Subsidized Employment Programs

Subsidized employment can boost incomes and improve labor market outcomes and well-being for disadvantaged workers. This report from the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality presents findings from a review of subsidized employment programs targeting populations with serious or multiple barriers to employment. It includes a framework to help practitioners develop more innovative and effective programs by identifying key elements of program design and implementation; a review of relevant models from the past 40 years, including key findings from this research; and a set of recommendations for policymakers and practitioners for further utilization of subsidized jobs programs.