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 eligible for WorkFirst may receive:

• Funding for books and supplies
• 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 any certificate or Associate degree (including AAS, AAS-T, DTA transfer degrees), and/or Basic Skills courses (BEdA, ELL, HS+)
• Are not enrolled in a 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 the "Workforce Development Funding Eligibility Survey-Application" to see if you are eligible for WFD programs. After answering the first few questions, if you appear potentially eligible, the rest of the Workforce Development application will open automatically for you to complete and submit.  You will be contacted within 5-7 business days regarding your eligibility and provided with additional information.

Prospective LWTech Students

1. Take the Start Next Quarter (SNQ) Survey
2. Attend the Workforce Development Information Session (sign-up after completing the Start Next Quarter Survey)
3. Apply to LWTech; complete the FAFSA/WASFA; take the Guided Self Placement Assessment (if applicable)
4. Fill out the online Workforce Development Application
5. 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

Community Resources

The Community Resource webpage houses links and contact information for many of our Community Based Partners. 

Career Services

LWTech Career Services 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 andavailable to all LWTech students. The offered workshops cover a variety of topics related to student success.