BFET

BFET (Basic Food Employment Training Program)

Edmonds Community College is pleased to partner with the Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) to offer education and work training opportunities to low income students receiving food stamps (Basic Food) through DSHS.

If you would like to obtain your GED, take ESL classes, or earn a vocational certificate in one of our many programs at EDCC, then BFET can get you started! We offer funding assistance for tuition, books, childcare, and transportation…AND BFET can assist you in applying for Federal Financial Aid to continue your education!

To be eligible for BFET, there are only 2 requirements to qualify:  First, students must be receiving food assistance through DSHS (if you think you might be eligible for food stamps, BFET can also help you apply). Second, students must select a BFET-approved program of study. This includes GED, High School Completion, ESL, or vocational certificate programs.  Which vocational certificate programs qualify for BFET? ANY program which offers a vocational certificate which can be completed before an ATA (2-year) degree in 4 quarters or less. BFET requires students to meet with an advisor to list the classes that need to be taken each quarter in order to complete their certificate.

To apply for BFET please call the BFET Information line at 425-640-1727.

Financial Aid and Other Information

What types of financial aid to low income students qualify for? Most students will qualify for two types of grants (which don’t have to be paid back): (1) The Federal Pell Grant, which can be up to $1500 per quarter; and (2) The State Need Grant, which can be up to $800 per quarter. Student’s who receive food stamps typically qualify for BOTH grants, so financial aid per quarter may be at least $2,300. Additionally, low-interest subsidized student loans are also offered to offset students basic needs, such as rent. Loans are part of the federal financial aid package, but they do have to be paid back starting 6 months after leaving school.

Who’s eligible to apply for federal financial aid? Students taking GED or ESL classes will not typically apply for grants until enrolled in college-level classes (numbered 100 or above). BFET can assist these students until such a time that federal financial aid is available to them. Also, students taking college-level classes who have applied for aid but have not yet been awarded are also eligible for BFET tuition and book assistance, as long as program eligibility criteria is met.

To apply for BFET please call the BFET Information line at 425-640-1727.