WorkFirst

What is WorkFirst?

The Everett Community College WorkFirst Program and its partners help student parents receiving TANF navigate their next right steps toward their academic, career, and life goals. Participants in our interactive Life Skills Program practice and develop critical personal skills that are applicable in all areas of life.

WorkFirst also provides case management and assistance with tuition and books for eligible students pursuing Vocational certificates, degrees, and GED/High School Completion programs, who are ineligible for federal financial aid or whose financial aid is pending

The WorkFirst Program is a partnership with:

Everett Community College
Department of Social and Health Services
Employment Security Department
Department of Commerce

Eligibility

To qualify for the WorkFirst Program:

You must be currently receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Your DSHS case manager must refer you for a specific eligible program

Please note: students receiving both Basic Food Assistance (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from DSHS are only eligible for WorkFirst and not BFET while their TANF is open.

Requirements

WorkFirst students are required to:

Be in an approved program of study
Submit weekly timesheets to WorkFirst staff in order to report participation hours to DSHS
Report any absences to WorkFirst staff

Approved Programs of Study

Eligible Vocational Certificate Programs
GED Completion Program
High School Completion Programs

What We Offer

Tuition and books for eligible programs of study
Student Support Funds
An Open Enrollment GED class
Life Skills Program (Hybrid: Online and In Person)
WorkFirst Work Study opportunities for eligible students

How to apply?

DSHS Referral

Discuss your plans with your DSHS case manager. Ask your DSHS case manager to refer you to Everett Community College’s WorkFirst Program.

Workforce Funding Application

To increase accessibility and streamline our application process, the Workforce Funding Department has created a joint application for all our grant programs. With a single application, you can apply for BFET, Worker Retraining, WorkFirst, and the Opportunity Grant. Our new application is now available online and will automatically upload to your grant program! Download the Workforce Funding Application and instructions.

Life Skills Program

Our Life Skills Program is designed for you to experience inner peace and get help figuring out your next right steps on the journey toward your goals. We offer a variety of options for approved activities so you can meet your required participation hours while practicing and developing skills that will help you navigate the challenges and joys of life. Come grow with us!

Click Here to Request Access to our Calendar and Menu of Activities