Summer Program Evaluation

Research Shows Students, Parents, Staff See Positive Benefits From L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers Program

A Survey of Student Participants Found…

are considering careers they never would have before
0 %
feel more excited about the future
0 %
would recommend the program to others
0 %

New Evaluation of Skilled Trades Summers

A survey of students, parents and staff found that participation in L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers leads to improved academic performance and broadens students’ thinking about future career and educational pathways. Findings show that Skilled Trades Summers, which has served more than 1,500 students from public schools and community-based organizations over the past four years, may be helping to build the pipeline to skilled trades careers and addressing the region’s critical demand for skilled trades workers.

Research Methodology

Researcher: FDR Group

The nonpartisan Farkas Duffet Research (FDR) Group conducted qualitative and quantitative research from May to December 2024 to evaluate the impact of the Los Angeles County Skilled Trades Summers Program from 2021-2024. Research included nine focus groups with students who participated in a summer program and parents of such students; 20 interviews with program staff; and online surveys with students, parents and staff from the sites where the summer programs took place.

FDR Group Report Executive Summary
Impact Snapshot

Before I got into the summer program, I would just lay down on my bed and rot away. . . and then I got in there and that’s how I found out that I really like to work. I like to do something with my life, to feel I have a purpose.”

- Skilled Trades Summers program graduate

Joining this skilled trade program was the best thing I ever did. I can be straight out of high school with a certification, and I love who teaches me and who surrounds me.”

- Skilled Trades Summers program graduate

It taught him responsibilities. A work ethic, as well…He made a lot of friendships in that program. It gave him not only the automotive skills, but speaking skills and communicating skills.”

- Parent of a Skilled Trades Summers student

It was transformative for him and he found his passion. He LOVED the program and now wants to do something similar for his career.”

- Parent of a Skilled Trades Summers student

He just doesn’t learn typically, so when he was able to do something that isn’t just tests and reading and writing, something he can actually be hands on with, he was really excited about that, because he thrives in those kinds of environments.”

-Parent of a Skilled Trades Summers student

Virtually all students and parents would strongly recommend their Skilled Trades Summers program to others

Students
94% of Students
Parents
98% of Parents

Students, parents and staff believe that participating in a Skilled Trades Summers program will have an impact on students’ future education and careers

Majorities agree with the following:

Students feel more excited about the future
Students are considering careers they never would have before

Parents and staff believe the Skilled Trades Summers program improves academic opportunities for students

Nearly 7 out of 10 parents believe that their child will be more likely to graduate from high school because of the program
9 out of 10 staff believe the programs are preparing students to be successful in community college or trade school

The Skilled Trades Summers program may help build the pipeline for skilled trades professionals in Los Angeles County

Among the survey respondents who were high school graduates (a sub-set of students):

have pursued further education in a skilled trade
have worked for pay in a skilled trade

Social Media Toolkit

Download and share the below infographics to help spread awareness about the poll results and what Angelenos think about skilled trades education