Research conducted by an outside evaluator from 1996-1997 shows that school attendance among children in the program increased by 20 percent and behavior referrals decreased by 20 percent. Funding is provided mostly by foundations, corporations, individuals, and county and state government. Some observers believe that only specially trained experts with academic qualifications can help people overcome drug and alcohol dependency. They also doubt the efficacy of faith-based approaches to addiction recovery. Teen Challenge uses a holistic approach, stressing emotional and social adjustment, physical fitness, and spiritual well-being to serve an average of ten girls at a time.
Funding is provided by churches and individual donors.
Over 18,000 students have graduated from 180 NFTE programs nationwide. An independent study by researchers at Brandeis University shows that 33 percent of former NFTE participants have gone on to own a business, and 78 percent plan to own a business some time in the future. The study also finds that NFTE participants enjoy other benefits such as reduced risk of alcoholism and violence and increases in diction and self-confidence. NFTE receives support from individual donors, foundations, and corporations, including the Aetna, Alcoa, Charles G. Koch, Citicorp, Fannie Mae, General Mills, JM, and Charles Stewart Mott foundations. Father Gregory Boyle, founder and director of Homeboy Industries, believes it not only provides employment to young people with criminal records who could otherwise not find work but breaks down barriers erected by gang hostility.