Evaluation Shows OPT-IN and J.E.T. Boosts Jobs, Wages, and Local Economy
Cheemoua Xiong (18), OPT-IN intern working in the upholstery department at Chaddock Furniture.
A recent third-party evaluation of the OPT-IN and J.E.T. , programs facilitated by Work in Burke, confirm what participants, partners, and employers have been telling us all along: targeted, place-based workforce programs can deliver real results for young people and for Burke County. Partially funded by the NCWorks Commission through the Local Innovation initiative, OPT-IN and J.E.T. support opportunity youth ages 16–24 through paid internships, mentoring, professional development, and connections to local employers.
The evaluation, conducted by Strategic Evaluations, Inc., found high levels of participant satisfaction and strong employment outcomes. Every participant was placed in a paid internship, and 60% of employed alumni reported wage increases after completing the program, many moving from unemployment or low-wage work into jobs paying $13–$18 per hour.
Alumni consistently credited the program’s mentoring, case management, and soft-skills training with helping them gain confidence, clarify career goals, and succeed at work.
Beyond individual outcomes, the program is contributing to local economic stability and retention. More than 90% of alumni continue to live and work in Burke County, with many investing their earnings locally. Participants also reported increased financial stability, improved budgeting and credit, and greater ability to support themselves or their families. The evaluation highlights clear opportunities to build on this success—such as alumni advising, peer ambassador models, and expanded financial and housing-related supports—to deepen long-term impact.