WorkFirst

WorkFirst provides support to students receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance from DSHS. BC’s WorkFirst program helps students gain skills or earn a credential leading to higher wages, better jobs, and further advancement.

A mother and young daughter looking at a tablet, doing homework together.

WorkFirst Information

  • Potential funding for school-related expenses, including:
    • tuition
    • course fees
    • textbooks and supplies
    • transportation
    • emergency aid
  • Education planning to help you efficiently complete your program of study
  • Advising to address barriers to academic or personal success
  • Help navigating college processes and services
  • Referrals to community and college resources

You may qualify for the WorkFirst program if:

  • You receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance.
  • Your DSHS case manager sends us a referral.
  • You are interested in an approved program of study.

In addition to meeting Workforce Education Student Expectations [PDF], WorkFirst students must also understand the following expectations:

Participation Requirement

You are expected to meet participation requirements described in your Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) created by your DSHS case manager. Approved school participation hours may include: class attendance (in-person or virtual), unsupervised homework hours, and supervised homework hours. Your case manager may also include other approved activities.

Absences

All absences must be reported to your advisor within 24 hours, or else they may be reported to DSHS as unexcused. If you are absent for more than two days in a row, documentation will be required (e.g. doctor’s note, court papers) to consider the absence excused. Poor attendance and unexcused absences may result in being referred back to DSHS.

Participation and Progress Reports

WorkFirst students are required to submit weekly participation reports; reminders will be sent via email. Your progress and participation hours will be reported to DSHS. Workforce Education may also request progress reports from your instructors. Your advisor may contact you if there are any concerns.

Report Changes in Eligibility

You must receive TANF cash assistance to qualify for WorkFirst. Notify your Workforce Education advisor if you plan to close your TANF. Students who close TANF but receive federal Basic Food/SNAP benefits may qualify for the BFET program.

What training opportunities are available?

Training options through WorkFirst include:

  • Basic and Transitional Studies (BATS):
    • English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes, for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
    • High School Completion/GED preparatory classes
    • Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes
  • I-BEST program classes, which combine vocational education with support classes to improve study skills and career readiness:
    • Office Assistant
    • Business Technology Specialist
    • Accounting Prep
  • Approved degrees and certificates

How do I sign up?

If you are receiving TANF cash assistance from DSHS, ask your case manager to send a referral to Bellevue College.  You can also get started by attending a Workforce Education information session.

What testing is required before I can enter WorkFirst programs?

  • ELA / ABE / GED students may need to take a CASAS assessment.
  • Students pursuing a professional-technical degree or certificate may need to take math and English placement tests.

What services are available after I complete WorkFirst training?

All of our training and educational opportunities are designed to assist parents in gaining skills that will enable them to support their families. After training, we may assist with job search. We help students plan for future classes and programs that could help them with wage progression.

Is WorkFirst at Bellevue College part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and/or the Employment Security Department?

No, but we partner with those agencies in order to provide training opportunities for parents on TANF.

How do I apply?

Apply online! We will review your eligibility for all of BC’s Workforce Education programs.

If you have questions before applying, please contact us at 425-564-4054 or workforce-ed@bellevuecollege.edu.