ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part presents questions about government policy in the areas of data collection and program implementation. It provides an analysis of black women's participation in programs of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) era that black women were underrepresented in many programs. The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) replaced CETA in 1983. The new program places more emphasis on training and private sector involvement, prohibits the use of public service employment and limits the use of stipends. Black women have also suffered discrimination within the federal employment and training system. Although black women are a significant proportion of JTPA participants, they continue to participate at rates below their representation in the eligible pool. The performance standards established under JTPA may be leading to underrepresentation of minority female heads of households.
