{"id":30,"date":"2026-02-26T18:32:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T02:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we-redesign-dev\/?page_id=30"},"modified":"2026-10-27T09:58:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T16:58:48","slug":"workfirst","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/workfirst\/","title":{"rendered":"WorkFirst"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"accordion-section-wrapper section section-xlight\">\n\t<div class=\"container-xl\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"accordion-section-content col-md-8\">\n\t<div class=\"accordion-section-heading\">\n\t\t<h2>WorkFirst Information<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mayflower-blocks-collapsibles accordion\" id=\"accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mayflower-blocks-collapse accordion-item\"><h3 class=\"accordion-header mb-0\" id=\"heading_9cb45cd9-22ad-4240-b37c-3d0fd92122b0\"><button class=\"accordion-button bg-primary text-bg-primary\n\t\t text-white \" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse_9cb45cd9-22ad-4240-b37c-3d0fd92122b0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse_9cb45cd9-22ad-4240-b37c-3d0fd92122b0\">WorkFirst Services<\/button><\/h3><div id=\"collapse_9cb45cd9-22ad-4240-b37c-3d0fd92122b0\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_9cb45cd9-22ad-4240-b37c-3d0fd92122b0\" data-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\"><div class=\"accordion-body \">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Potential funding for school-related expenses, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>tuition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>course fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>textbooks and supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>emergency aid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education planning to help you efficiently complete your program of study<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advising to address barriers to academic or personal success<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help navigating college processes and services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Referrals to community and college resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mayflower-blocks-collapse accordion-item\"><h3 class=\"accordion-header mb-0\" id=\"heading_9da80eea-5ef1-40c8-afdb-06c3584a8b7d\"><button class=\"accordion-button bg-primary text-bg-primary\n\t\t text-white collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse_9da80eea-5ef1-40c8-afdb-06c3584a8b7d\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse_9da80eea-5ef1-40c8-afdb-06c3584a8b7d\">Who Qualifies?<\/button><\/h3><div id=\"collapse_9da80eea-5ef1-40c8-afdb-06c3584a8b7d\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"heading_9da80eea-5ef1-40c8-afdb-06c3584a8b7d\" data-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\"><div class=\"accordion-body \">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may qualify for the WorkFirst program if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your DSHS case manager sends us a referral.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You are interested in an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/approved-programs\/workfirst\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"408\">approved program of study<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mayflower-blocks-collapse accordion-item\"><h3 class=\"accordion-header mb-0\" id=\"heading_e9f4dd45-a8ac-492b-ad66-56d8346bc2ae\"><button class=\"accordion-button bg-primary text-bg-primary\n\t\t text-white collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse_e9f4dd45-a8ac-492b-ad66-56d8346bc2ae\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse_e9f4dd45-a8ac-492b-ad66-56d8346bc2ae\">Expectations for WorkFirst Students<\/button><\/h3><div id=\"collapse_e9f4dd45-a8ac-492b-ad66-56d8346bc2ae\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"heading_e9f4dd45-a8ac-492b-ad66-56d8346bc2ae\" data-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\"><div class=\"accordion-body \">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to meeting&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/476\/2026\/06\/we_expectations_form_fillable_061126.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"688\">Workforce Education Student Expectations [PDF]<\/a>, WorkFirst students must also understand the following expectations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participation Requirement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are expected to meet participation requirements described in your Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) created by your DSHS case manager. Approved school participation hours may include: class attendance (in-person or virtual), unsupervised homework hours, and supervised homework hours. Your case manager may also include other approved activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Absences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All absences must be reported to your advisor within 24 hours, or else they may be reported to DSHS as unexcused. If you are absent for more than two days in a row, documentation will be required (e.g. doctor\u2019s note, court papers) to consider the absence excused. Poor attendance and unexcused absences may result in being referred back to DSHS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participation and Progress Reports<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WorkFirst students are required to submit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/participation-form\/\">weekly participation reports<\/a>; reminders will be sent via email. Your progress and participation hours will be reported to DSHS. Workforce Education may also request progress reports from your instructors. Your advisor may contact you if there are any concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Report Changes in Eligibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must receive TANF cash assistance to qualify for WorkFirst. Notify your Workforce Education advisor if you plan to close your TANF. Students who close TANF but receive federal Basic Food\/SNAP benefits may qualify for the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/bfet\/\">BFET program<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mayflower-blocks-collapse accordion-item\"><h3 class=\"accordion-header mb-0\" id=\"heading_66171474-8501-49c5-a99d-64d4202f892e\"><button class=\"accordion-button bg-default text-bg-default\n\t\t collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse_66171474-8501-49c5-a99d-64d4202f892e\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse_66171474-8501-49c5-a99d-64d4202f892e\">WorkFirst FAQs<\/button><\/h3><div id=\"collapse_66171474-8501-49c5-a99d-64d4202f892e\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"heading_66171474-8501-49c5-a99d-64d4202f892e\" data-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordion_25396463-f801-4519-9798-feef5d578152\"><div class=\"accordion-body bg-default text-bg-default\n\t\t\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What training opportunities are available?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Training options through WorkFirst include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/bats\/\">Basic and Transitional Studies (BATS)<\/a>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes, for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High School Completion\/GED preparatory classes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/bats\/i-best\/\">I-BEST program<\/a>&nbsp;classes, which combine vocational education with support classes to improve study skills and career readiness:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Office Assistant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business Technology Specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accounting Prep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/approved-programs\/\">Approved degrees and certificates<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I sign up?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are receiving TANF cash assistance from DSHS, ask your case manager to send a referral to Bellevue College. &nbsp;You can also get started by attending a Workforce Education&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/apply\/\">information session<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What testing is required before I can enter WorkFirst programs?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ELA \/ ABE \/ GED students may need to take a CASAS assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students pursuing a professional-technical degree or certificate may need to take&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/current-students\/placement-testing-services\/placement-tests\/\">math and English placement tests<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What services are available&nbsp;<strong>after&nbsp;<\/strong>I complete WorkFirst training?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of our training and educational opportunities are designed to assist parents in gaining skills that will enable them to support their families. After training, we may assist with job search. We help students plan for future classes and programs that could help them with wage progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is WorkFirst at Bellevue College part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and\/or the Employment Security Department?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, but we partner with those agencies in order to provide training opportunities for parents on TANF.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"callout-wrapper col\">\n\t<aside class=\"callout text-margin-reset \">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"callout__heading card-title-small\">Explore Your Options<\/h3>\n\t\t<p>View degrees and certificates approved for support.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"callout__links\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/approved-programs\/workfirst\/\"  class=\"link-accent-lg\">WorkFirst Approved Programs of Study<i class=\"fa-regular fa-arrow-right-long \" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-wrapper alignstandard\"><div class=\"block-wrapper alignstandard\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mayflower-blocks-panel alignwide card bg-info\"><h2 class=\"card-header\">How do I apply?<\/h2><div class=\"card-body bg-light text-dark\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/apply\/\"><strong>Apply online<\/strong><\/a>! We will review your eligibility for all of BC\u2019s Workforce Education programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions before applying, please contact us at 425-564-4054 or workforce-ed@bellevuecollege.edu.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template--no-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-30","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":868,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30\/revisions\/868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/we\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}