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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 1. What training opportunities are available?

 

  • Beginning - Computer Basics and Software Fundamentals: 11-week* computer course for beginner computer users. Job placement assistance provided. (*6-week course during summer quarters)
  • WorkFirst Workplace Intensive ESL: 11 or 22-week English-as-a-Second Language course offering Beginning and Intermediate levels. Intensive language curriculum includes customer-service training and a computer component. Job placement assistance provided.
  • WorkFirst TANF Tuition Assistance: Offers free books and tuition in approved occupational programs for qualified individuals. See WorkFirst TANF Tuition Assistance tab at left for qualifications.

 

2. Who is eligible?

Parents on TANF or certain former TANF cecipientswho are working at least 20 hours per week and meet income guidelines.

 

3. How do parents sign up?

Beginning - Computer Basics and Software Fundamentals

Call (425) 564-2363, e-mail cindy.donohue@bellevuecollege.edu or stop by B131.

 

WorkFirst Workplace Intensive ESL

Call (425) 564-415474, e-mail linda.savio@bellevuecollege.edu or stop by B131.

 

 WorkFirst TANF Tuition Assistance

Call (425) 564-2363, e-mail cincy.donohue@bellevuecollege.edu or stop by B131.

  4. What testing is required before I can enter WorkFirst programs?

WorkFirst Workplace Intensive ESL – ESL Assessment

WorkFirst TANF Tuition Assistance – Math & English COMPASS Assessment

 

 5. Do students have to work while enrolled in the WorkFirst program?

 

  • If you are receiving cash assistance from DSHS, you will need to get a referral from your DSHS caseworker or social worker.
  • If you are a former TANF recipient, you need to be working a minimum of 20 hours per week, meet income guidelines, and have received TANF between July 2007 - June 2009.

 

 6. Can students get college credit for attending the WorkFirst Computer classes?

Yes. Students completing the Beginning Computer and Software Fundamentals class receive 11 credits. (8 credits during summer quarter)

 

 7. 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 (see WFFA). We help them to further develop basic skills (ESL, ABE, GED classes). Once a student is working, we continue to follow up with her or him to offer additional support.

 

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

No, but we partner with those agencies in order to provide training opportunities for low-income parents on TANF or former TANF recipients.