Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Life Skills Education (Pendidikan Kecakapan Kerja/PKK) and Entrepreneurship Education (Pendidikan Kecakapan Wirausaha/PKW) scholarship programs in enhancing human resource competencies and reducing unemployment and poverty.
Methodology: Using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), data were collected from scholarship recipients, training institutions, education authorities, employer associations, and industry representatives in Bekasi City, Bekasi Regency, and Karawang Regency in West Java.
Results: The findings show that program planning and development comprehensively involved stakeholders. However, evaluation outcomes indicate limited sustainability, with employment absorption among PKK participants reaching 69.7%, and approximately 70% of PKW participants pursuing self-employment.
Conclusions: The programs have contributed to improving skills but have not fully achieved sustainable economic empowerment for women. Training aligned with industry needs is essential to strengthen employment opportunities and economic mobility.
Limitations: This study covered only three districts in West Java, limiting the generalizability of the findings for national implementation.
Contributions: This study advances vocational education research by demonstrating how outcome-based evaluation, curriculum responsiveness, and industry engagement jointly strengthen the effectiveness of scholarship-based vocational training programs.