[GuidedPathways] Celebrate with us!! WorkFirst Program Policy Changes for Eligible Programs

[Monica Wilson]

WorkFirst Program Policy Update - Expansion of Eligible Program Activities for Students

Effective immediately, vocational education (VE) activities for the WorkFirst program include all community and technical college programs, including certificates, AAS, AAS-T and AA-DTAs degrees with documentation of the occupational goal.

At this time, state regulations exclude bachelors and applied baccalaureate programs, as there is specific exclusion of bachelor's degrees within WAC 388-310-1000(4)<https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-310-1000>, with an exception for Degree Completion (DC) activities which need to be approved by the SBCTC WorkFirst program staff prior to use. The SBCTC will continue to advocate for the inclusion of baccalaureate programs to increase economic self-sufficiency for our community and technical college students.
We are excited for expanded opportunities and increased equity for students participating in WorkFirst in alignment with the recent Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Report: College Support Programs Tailored to TANF Parents Can Expand Employment Opportunities, Increase Earnings, and Promote Equity<https://www.cbpp.org/research/income-security/college-support-programs-tailored-to-tanf-parents-can-expand-employment>

For program questions, please contact, Becky Wood.<mailto:bwood at sbctc.edu> For policy questions, please contact Jennifer Dellinger<mailto:jdellinger at sbctc.edu>.

Kindly,

[cid:image002.jpg at 01DAC2F6.36012900]Jennifer Dellinger
Policy Associate, Student Services
Student Support Programs
WA State Board for Community & Technical Colleges
jdellinger at sbctc.edu<mailto:jdellinger at sbctc.edu> / 360.704.4339
sbctc.edu<https://www.sbctc.edu/> * Twitter: @SBCTCWashington<https://twitter.com/SBCTCWashington> * Facebook: @WASBCTC<https://www.facebook.com/wasbctc/>

SBCTC Vision:

"Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities."