Research Briefs

PathTech LISTEN follows a group of students who were enrolled in technical programs at two-year colleges across the country between 2017-2018. The majority have since completed degree and certificate programs and moved into the technician workforce. We interviewed 96 former students in Wave 1 (2019) and completed a second interview with 87 of them in Wave 2 of data collection (2020). We are currently conducting Wave 3 interviews (2021-22). The study participants are a demographically diverse group: 

  • 24% identify as women
  • 35% identify as racial-ethnic minorities
  • the age range spans 18 – 60 years old
  • many are first-generation college student, and
  • several are veterans

Their degree/certificate programs were primarily in advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, micro/nano technology, and energy and environmental technology.

  • During Wave 1 interviews, we asked participants about their school and work experiences, and gathered in-depth information about pathways into and out of technical education programs.
  • In Wave 2 interviews, we specifically gathered data about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives, jobs, education, families, communities and local economies. 
  • In addition to collecting updates during Wave 3, we are also discussing topics such as mentorship, prospects for career advancement, plans for further education, and their advice for current students and new members of the technician workforce.
PathTech LISTEN Research Briefs- Year 1 (2019)

Vol.1 No. 1: Jayaram, Lakshmi and Teresa Potter. 2021. “Perspectives from the Field: Industry Pilot Survey Results.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 1(1).

Vol 1. No. 2: Tyson, Will and  Lakshmi Jayaram. 2021. “Preliminary Results: Technical Programs Lead to STEM Careers.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 1(2).

Vol. 1 No. 3: Jayaram, Lakshmi and Teresa Potter. 2021. “Preliminary Findings Yield Several Interesting Themes.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 1(3).

Vol. 1. No. 4: Olivera, Kristopher. 2021. “Work Based Learning in Technical Programs.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 1(4).

Vol. 1. No. 5: Maconi, Melinda. 2021. “Job Search Pathways.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 1(5).

PathTech LISTEN Research Briefs- Year 2 (2020)

Vol. 2 No. 1: Tyson, Will. 2021. “Developing Strategies for Tracking Community College Alumni.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 2(1).

Vol. 2 No. 2: Tyson, Will and Teresa Potter. 2021. “Covid-19 Pandemic Impact on LISTEN Participants.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 2(2).

Vol. 2 No. 3:  Maconi, Melinda. 2021. “Perspectives from the Field: Wave 2 Vignettes.” PathTech LISTEN Research Brief, 2(2).

Reports

PathTech LISTEN (2018-2021)