The impacts of 20 welfare-to-work programs across the United States were evaluated to determine which clients derive the greatest benefits from different approaches to moving individuals from welfare to work. Of the 20 programs examined, 7 were characterized as employment focused, 5 provided a mix of first activities without an employment focus, 4 were employment focused with a mix of first activities, and 4 were employment focused with job search as the first activity. Measures of psychosocial well-being and barriers to work were typically not strongly related to impacts on earnings. The programs increased earnings about as much for more disadvantaged groups as for less disadvantaged groups. Employment-focused programs tended to be more effective than education-focused programs for the more disadvantaged groups. Programs providing a mix of first activities tended to help the broadest range of people. Although programs that required most individuals to look for work immediately increased earnings faster than programs that directed most participants toward basic education, the differences dissipated over time. It was concluded that the most disadvantaged participants can be helped if resources are targeted toward them and programs are developed to meet their needs. (Sixteen publications from the evaluation are listed.) (MN)