Abt Associates compiled the Lifelong Learning Demonstration public use data (1990-98) to test the impact of informational mailings on continued education and training for workers over age 25. The study was conducted from 1996-98 with data coverage from 1990-98.

Eligible participants in the Baltimore area were selected in May 1996 and randomly assigned to either the treatment group or control group. In June and October 1996, the treatment group received brochures containing information about financial aid and listing benefits of continuing education and job training. Participants could easily request more detailed information about specific schools, programs, and occupational training opportunities. The demonstration then examined the impact of these informational brochures on enrollment, credits earned, and financial aid received.

Data for individuals in the demonstration were obtained from Experian (a consumer data vendor); the Maryland Higher Education Commission; the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation; the participant tracking system; schools participating in the demonstration; and a follow-up survey of a subset of the demonstration sample (conducted May to December 1998). These data are available in a set of 22 files, which include demographic information, participant background information, quarterly earnings (first quarter 1990 to fourth quarter 1997), enrollment and financial aid records from participating schools (Fall 1995 through Spring 1998), and survey responses. The three largest files contain 333,400 observations and 40 or fewer variables; all other files contain fewer than 15,000 observations.

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