BFET
Frequently Asked Questions
New! College Success Skills
You may be required to participate in a College Success Skills class held daily for three weeks before the start of each quarter. The Summer Quarter class meets June 10-28 in the Gateway Building
BFET students will be able to access Working Connections Childcare services for this course.
Why does BFET require students to apply for financial aid?
BFET assistance provides a bridge for the student awaiting financial aid. Due to limited funding, BFET can help with tuition and books for only one quarter. The student must have a completed financial aid file, but not yet have been awarded aid. BFET funding is on a first-come, first-served basis. Financial aid will not only assist with tuition and books, but our students are usually eligible for the low-income grants that will help with living expenses.
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 will decide if you qualify for childcare. State budget cuts continue to change the DSHS Working Connections Childcare program. For two-parent households, DSHS will require the non-BFET parent -- if unemployed -- to provide childcare.
Why are some programs not approved by BFET?
BFET will only approve programs that can be completed at Edmonds Community College. BFET does not work with transfer programs.
Can BFET approve the Material Science program?
BFET is pleased to add Material Science to our list of programs. It is important that you contact the BFET office for details on how to proceed.
Why doesn’t BFET include the Paralegal program certificates?
These are considered advanced certificates earned after the student already holds a bachelor's degree or higher. An exception may be made if the student is in their final quarter of completion and agrees to seek employment immediately after graduation.
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. Ask at the BFET front desk.
If I have financial aid, what is the value of the BFET program?
Perhaps you need childcare assistance or are required to be in a BFET program by DSHS in order to maintain your food benefits. It is true that BFET does not make tuition or book awards to students already receiving financial aid.
I have an advanced college degree. Can I apply for BFET?
Students with advanced degrees can apply for the BFET program, but funding will be based on availability and preference is given to students that do not already hold an advanced degree. If BFET provides any financial assistance -- it will be for a single quarter only.
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 as your employment training plan in order to obtain your BFET approval through DSHS. BFET expects all students to adhere to the plan and take required certificate courses first.
Why is the Program Requirement Sheet so important?
Financial Aid may require you to provide a Program Requirement Sheet as part of your financial aid paperwork. Every Program has an associated code that identifies your specific program. You will be required by Financial Aid and BFET to take only the classes listed on your program requirement sheet.
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 the BFET program -- tuition or books -- will have to be off TANF completely before the quarter begins. This means you must have notified DSHS you wish to close TANF by the 20th of the month prior to the quarter start.
Do I need to have my GED to enroll in the certificate programs with BFET?
Yes -- but you can earn that GED through the BFET program. DSHS requires students earning a GED through BFET to be age 21 or older.
Financial aid requires me to petition for reinstatement in order to continue at Edmonds Community College. Will BFET pay for 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.
What other support services does BFET provide?
BFET provides assistance with tuition and books, help with childcare certification and a DSHS approvable activity for receipt of food stamps. During your intake, your case manager will discuss your needs and you formulate a plan to help you support yourself while in school.
Will I be approved for BFET if I am receiving SSI or SSID?
BFET is an employment training program. Your eligibility for BFET provides the training that will assist you in securing employment upon completion of BFET. If you enter employment, your SSI/SSID benefits may be affected.
