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Edmonds CC >> Basic Food and Employment Training (BFET)

Basic Food and Employment Training (BFET)

Frequently Asked Questions

BFET has a new application – am I applying for these other programs too?

BFET, Opportunity Grant, WorkFirst and Worker Retraining now share a common application at Edmonds CC. All four of these programs are part of the Workforce Education Division of Edmonds CC – many students are eligible for several of these programs. These grants are working together to provide the greatest level of service to our students with a minimum of additional paperwork. If you apply with any of these programs you will be screened for eligibility in the other programs on this one application.

Why does BFET only work with certain certificate programs?

BFET is an employment based grant. The goal of BFET is to help students access college, receive training and gain employment. BFET uses county and state-wide economic data and tools to determine which fields have the greatest employment demand. The certificate list is subject to change accordingly.

Can I start with an ATA program?

BFET requires that a student complete a certificate program before an ATA program can be considered. Transfer degrees are never approved by BFET. Training goals will be discussed during the BFET intake process and creation of the Individual Employment Plan (IEP).

What is an Individual Employment Plan (IEP)?

BFET grant requires each participant to have an IEP. The IEP is an employment goal document in the same way the Academic Plan is a document for your classes. BFET students will have started their IEP when they complete the application to the program. The IEP will help the student prepare for employment.

How does BFET help with employment?

The BFET grant in Snohomish County now has a number of Community Business Organizations (CBO) that work directly with BFET students to help them with their job search. This is one-to-one assistance and provides a variety of BFET support services during job search such as childcare. BFET has CBO partners for ESL students as well as our GED®, HS21 and Vocational students. Referrals can be made to our CBO partners at any time during your eligibility with BFET.

When can I know if I qualify for childcare with BFET?

After you submit a complete application and DSHS has approved you for BFET – then DSHS and Working Connections Childcare will decide if you qualify for childcare. State budget cuts continue to change the childcare program and for two-parent households, DSHS will require the non-BFET parent – if unemployed – to provide childcare.

Will BFET help me pay the college admission fee before my application is approved?

Yes, if you are currently receiving food stamps, BFET can give you a fee waiver form.

BFET requires students to apply for Financial Aid – what is the value of BFET then?

BFET assistance provides a bridge for the student awaiting award of their financial aid. Due to limited funding BFET typically only provides a single quarter of tuition and book support. Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis. BFET provides an additional set of support services including childcare, Basic Food referrals and employment services to the BFET eligible student.

Financial Aid requires me to petition for reinstatement in order to continue at Edmonds CC. Will BFET pay my tuition and books while I petition or if I am not approved by Financial Aid?

Financial Aid tracks academic progress for most programs on campus, BFET included. In order for BFET to fund a student, all petitions must be approved by Financial Aid.

I have an advanced college degree. Can I apply for BFET?

Students with advanced degrees can apply for the BFET programs, but funding will be based on availability and preference is given to students that do not hold an advanced degree. If BFET provides any financial assistance – it will be for a single quarter only.

Do I need to have my GED or high school completion to enroll in the vocational certificate programs with BFET?

Yes – but you can earn that GED or HS21 completion through the BFET program. DSHS requires students earning a GED or HS21 completion through BFET to be age 21 or older.

Why is the Academic Planning Sheet so important?

The Academic Planning Sheet is your road map for classes. It is our guideline for knowing what classes you require to complete your program. BFET uses the planning sheet to seek your approval from DSHS for training. BFET expects all students to adhere to their plan and take required certificate courses to remain eligible.

Do I have to keep my food stamps to participate in BFET?

Absolutely. If your food benefits are closed for any reason, BFET will not receive approval from DSHS for your continued participation. Make sure to turn your review paperwork into DSHS before any deadline they specify.

Can I be on TANF and BFET at the same time?

No. Students must not be receiving TANF at the beginning of the quarter in order to qualify for BFET. Students requiring any financial assistance from BFET program – tuition, books, childcare – will have to be off TANF completely before the quarter begins.  This means you must notify DSHS you wish to close TANF by the 20th of the month prior to the quarter start.

Will I be approved for BFET if I am receiving SSI or SSID?

BFET is an employment training program. Your application to BFET indicates you are planning to secure employment at the completion of BFET training. If you enter employment your SSI/SSID benefits may be affected.

Still have a question?

Come to one of the BFET orientation meetings – see calendar.

Last updated: 06/11/13