Evaluation of the Non-Formal Skills Development Sub-Activity 2011-2013

The Non-Formal Skills Development Sub-Activity had a budget of $5 million (USD) to provide short-term training to vulnerable populations in El Salvador's Northern Zone, including women, at-risk youths, and the poor. The Sub-Activity funded short-term courses in common trades such as baking, bricklaying, and electrical installations. The short-term goal of the non-formal skills program was to increase the education and skill levels of at-risk populations in the Northern Zone. The medium-term goals were to decrease economic barriers to labor force entry, while increasing the personal income, labor market participation, and self-employment rates of vulnerable populations. Lastly, the program's long-term goal was to spur economic growth and reduce poverty in the target area.

To examine the effects of the Non-Formal Skills Development Sub-Activity on employment rates and personal income, we used a pre-post survey design. With this design, we compare outcomes of enrolled participants before the start of the program with the outcomes of the same individuals approximately one year after the end of the program. This design cannot fully attribute before-after differences to the training program because other factors outside of the program-including broader economic developments during the study period-could have also affected participants' outcomes. Although we do not report impact estimates, or estimates that are fully attributable to the program, this analysis can offer valuable insight regarding the following research question:

• What was the change in participants' labor market outcomes and income approximately one year after completing a 180-400 hour non-formal skills course?