BFET is a program designed to help participants achieve their employment goals through educational funding support and resources.

BFET helps with:

• Keeping food benefits active while attending school
• Childcare subsidies (through DSHS)
• Required books
• Required tools and uniforms
• Tuition not covered by Financial Aid

Who's eligible?

If you are receiving Federal food benefits (SNAP), you may be eligible to receive funding and resource assistance.

Please note, Bachelor programs and Pre-Nursing are not approved programs for BFET

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Opportunity Grant (OG) is a program that assists participants with funding and other services while they attend school. The program may assist up to 45 credits or 36 months, whichever comes first.

What are the benefits?

• Tuition not covered by financial aid
• Required books
• Required tools and uniforms

Who's eligible?

• Washington State residents
• Required 2.0 GPA or higher
• Admitted into an Opportunity Grant approved program
• Not have used all of their OG credits or time limit in any Washington State community or technical college.
• Have income at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. More information here Oppurrtunity Grants | SBTC

Please note, Bachelor programs and Pre-Nursing are not approved programs for Opportunity Grant.

Which programs are eligible?

• Accounting
• Architectural Engineering Design
• Aviation Maintenance
• Avionics Technician
• Central Service/Sterile Processing
• Chemical Dependency Certificate
• Computer Programming
• Construction Technology
• Dental Assistant
• Early Care & Education
• Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
• Esthetic Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Health Unit Coordinator
• Heating/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
• Histology Lab Technician
• Human Services
• IBEST Programs
• Mechatronics
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Network Operations & Systems Security
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Nursing Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Surgical Technology
• Upholstery
• Welding

WorkFirst (WF) is a program designed to help participants achieve their employment goals through funding support and resources, and educational participation may count towards your DSHS requirement.

PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended that you speak to your DSHS case manager if you are interested in attending Clover Park.

What are the benefits?

• Tuition not covered by Financial Aid
• Required books
• WorkFirst Work Study
• WorkFirst Support Services
• Childcare subsidies (through DSHS)

Who's eligible?

If you are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through DSHS, you may be eligible for the WorkFirst Program.

Please note, Pre-Nursing is not an approved program for WorkFirst.

How do I get started in the WorkFirst program?

The WorkFirst program requires a referral from your DSHS case manager. Our WorkFirst staff can help you contact them if needed. Once the WorkFirst program staff receives your referral information, they will contact you to discuss your next steps.

WorkFirst Contact Information

• office.workfirst@cptc.edu
• 253-589-5513

The Worker Retraining program helps students with funding and other services while attending classes for at least one quarter.

What are the benefits?

• Tuition not covered by Financial Aid
• Required books
• Required tools and uniforms Toolkits
• Transportation assistance
• Childcare expenses

Who's eligible?

Qualifying situations include:

• Receiving or exhausting unemployment within the past 48 months,
• Discharged from the military within the past 48 months
• Active-duty military scheduled to separate within the next 6 months,
• Recent divorced, widowed, separated within the past 24–48 months,
• Require training to maintain current employment

Early Achievers is a financial aid program that assists students that are employed child care providers in early learning and are pursuing a certificate or degree in early childhood education.

What are the benefits?

• Tuition not covered by Financial Aid
• Required books

Who's eligible?

• Washington State residents as defined in RCW 28B.15.012, and
• Employed at a childcare facility, family home care or Head Start/ECEAP program that is actively participating in the Department of Children, Youth, and Families' Early Achievers (QRIS) program. The student must work a minimum of 10 hours a week or 40 hours per month at an eligible childcare facility. The student must also have worked for an employer for a minimum of three (3) months.
• The Department of Children, Youth, and Families will provide the colleges with access to information regarding eligible employers. The student must provide work history documentation to the college and update the college with any changes to their employment or their employer's information.
• Enroll in an Early Achievers Grant-eligible education program.

EAG Contact Information

• Sally Christensen at sally.christensen@cptc.edu

Every student need support and guidance in making the best academic and personal choices while completing their education. The WFD Counselor may help you make informed decisions and can connect you to resources and opportunities across campus.

Workforce Advising and Counseling helps with:

• Program exploration
• Course planning
• Degree and general education requirements
• Add/drop classes
• Options if you are having academic difficulty
• Academic policies and procedures
• Brief personal counseling
• Connecting to additional support staff

WFD Counselor Contact Information

Rachael Butler at 253-589-6088 or Rachael.Butler@cptc.edu

Both on and off campus a resources are being developed constantly to address the needs of our community. We have staff available to help you find assistance that can help you meet your needs and reduce barriers.

We offer:

• On-campus resources
• Off-campus resources
• Passport program support
• Direct referrals to partner agencies
• Assist with applying for food benefits through Washington Connection

Washington Connection

Washington Connection is a website providing information and resources for people that may qualify for benefits and services; such as food, cash, medical, childcare, long-term care, and healthcare. From this website, you can see if you qualify and apply for multiple benefits using their online application. If in case you do not qualify, Washington Connection does offer further information for additional services through community partners and resources.

• Washington Connection Video (English)
• Washington Connection Video (Spanish)

How do I get started?
Email Timothy.Guntle@cptc.edu or book an appointment Online.