1. Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges: WorkFirst Program Presented by: Lindsay Lanham Policy Associate-Workforce Education llanham@sbctc.edu

2. Washington’s WorkFirst Program Provides cash assistance and other supportive services to families living in poverty Helps parents find and maintain employment and achieve self-sufficiency

3. WorkFirst Partnership Structure The Department of Social and Health Services The Department of Commerce The Department of Early Learning The Employment Security Department The Office of Financial Management The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

4. The SBCTC’s WorkFirst Program Students referred by the Department of Social and Health Services Financial Support Tuition Books Fees Case management

5. WorkFirst Program Student Count 2009-2014

6. Largest WorkFirst Programs in 2013-2014 Highline (618 students) Spokane Falls (541 students) Olympic (479 students) Yakima Valley (418 students) Lower Columbia (408 students) Clark (389 students)

7. Student Demographics for WorkFirst Program 2013-2014 Average Age 29 years Female 79% Single Parents 67%

8. Student Demographics for WorkFirst Program 2013-2014

9. Highest Level of Education at Entry 2013-2014

10. Pre-College Needs: Basic Skills Level

11. Pre-College Needs: English Second Level

12. Questions?

13. Thank You Lindsay Lanham llanham@sbctc.edu