WorkFirst
Overview
The WorkFirst program provides aid to LWTech students receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from DSHS. WorkFirst is a federally funded program.
Students on WorkFirst may receive:
- Funding for books
- Funding for tuition and fees (students are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid to determine PELL and state grant eligibility)
- Career and educational advising and planning
- Priority registration
Eligibility
You may be eligible to participate in the WorkFirst program at LWTech if you:
- Are referred to the WorkFirst program coordinator by DSHS
- Are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from DSHS
- Are enrolled in a professional/technical program at the certificate or Associate level, and/or basic skills courses (ABED, ESL, GED, HS+)
- are not enrolled in a DTA or BAS program
Please note: students receiving both Basic Food Assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from DSHS are only eligible for WorkFirst and not Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET).
How to Apply
Current LWTech Students
- Take and submit the Start Next Quarter (SNQ) Survey or fill out and submit a hardcopy Funding Survey
- If you meet initial requirements for WorkFirst, you will be prompted to fill out the online Workforce Development Application
- A Workforce Development team member will contact you to schedule an intake appointment with the WorkFirst coordinator
Prospective LWTech Students
- Take the Start Next Quarter (SNQ) Survey
- Attend the Workforce Development Information Session (sign-up after completing the Start Next Quarter Survey)
- Apply to LWTech; complete the FAFSA/WASFA; take the Guided Self Placement Assessment (if applicable)
- Fill out the online Workforce Development Application
- A Workforce Development team member will contact you to schedule an intake appointment with the WorkFirst coordinator
Apply for TANF
If you are not currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through DSHS but would like to check your eligibility and apply, the application is available online through Washington Connection.
Additional Information and Resources
For resources related to the impact of COVID-19 on the campus community, please see Coronavirus Information and Resources. Community resource information related to the pandemic is available through our Community Resource webpage. If you were recently laid off or are receiving unemployment due to COVID-19, assistance applying for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the Employment Security Department(ESD) can be found on the Worker Retraining webpage.
Community Resources
The Community Resource webpage houses links and contact information for many of our Community Based Partners.
Employment Resource Center
The Employment Resource Center (ERC) assists students with job search, and career planning, as well as providing a variety of workshops, training, and events to support students, graduates, and community members.
Student Success Workshops
Student Success Workshops and resources are free and available to all LWTech students. The offered workshops cover a variety of topics related to student success.
