Changes in occupational status and income were examined among former participants in the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) programs that had an educational focus and the purpose of providing short-term employment. Telephone interviews were conducted with 62 percent of individuals who terminated from CETA programs in a selected state during the third quarter of FY1981. Data, primarily demographic, were also obtained from agency data systems. CETA participation appeared to lead to marked decreases in unemployment and to modest economic gains. The socioeconomic status of former participants' occupations did not appear to be affected by CETA participation, but some movement into the "primary" or "core" industrial sectors did occur. These positive results were likely to be associated with work experience and on-the-job training programs. Formal education and prior occupational history were shown to be rather unimportant influences either before or after CETA program participation. (A bibliography, six tables, and two figures are appended.) (YLB)