The Worker Retraining Program may be able to help you retrain for a new job or career in a professional/technical program.

Are you collecting unemployment? Are you working in a job that is “not in demand”? Are you a veteran?

Eligibility

You may be eligible for Worker Retraining support due to any of the following reasons:

• Eligible to receive, or receiving, unemployment benefits.
• Received unemployment benefits within the past four years.
• Formerly self-employed and currently unemployed due to general economic conditions within the past four years.
• Unemployed Veteran discharged within the past four years.
• Unemployed or under employed after having been dependent on another family member’s income, but no longer supported by that income due to separation, divorce, death, or permanent disability of the main wage-earner within the past four years.
• Active Duty Military, with separation papers up to 18 months in the future
• Vulnerable Worker? Meet two of three criteria listed below.
  • Currently working in a Not in Demand job.
  • Do not have 45 college credits.
  • Must upgrade your skills to remain employed in your current job.

Services

• Tuition assistance, books, and fees
• Child care
• Tools
• Educational advising and planning
• Job search assistance
• Assistance in locating additional funding for training
• Liaison to other agencies, programs and fund sources
• Assistance with Employment Security Department’s Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) and Training Benefits (TB) applications
• May assist with basic skills, as in earning your GED or HS21 while simultaneously enrolled in a program of study

Getting Started

1. Complete a quick Start Next Quarter survey to see if you pre-qualify or attend a weekly Worker Retraining workshop to find out which programs you are currently eligible to enroll in.
2. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with staff.
3. Complete a federal financial aid application - FAFSA (required).

 

Contact

Joanie Meister
Transitional Services Building, Room 101
360-623-8496
Email Joanie Meister

The BFET program is a partnership between Centralia College and the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS). Eligible individuals must currently be receiving or are qualified to receive basic food assistance. The BFET program assists with education and skills training.

On a fund available basis the BFET program assists food stamp eligible students with tuition and/or book assistance and may assist with childcare referrals with Working Connections (DSHS).

Eligibility Guidelines

• You must be currently receiving DSHS Basic Food Assistance (federal)
• You cannot be receiving DSHS TANF cash assistance (see WorkFirst for more information about funding for education)
• You must be enrolled in a professional/technical program or in ESL, ABE, or GED program courses (transfer programs are not eligible)

Types of Assistance

• Tuition and fees
• Textbooks
• Testing fees
• May assist with some required class supplies

 

Contact

Brooke Merchant Transitional Services Building, Room 101 360-623-8374 Email Brooke Merchant

Margaret Friedley Transitional Services Building, Room 101 360-623-8410 Email Margret Friedley

The WorkFirst program may provide support and financial assistance to students receiving a Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) grant from DSHS. Students must be referred by their DSHS case manager.

Approved programs include:

• High School Diploma
• GED
• Basic Skills
• English Language Acquisition (ELA)
• All professional-technical programs
• Continuing Education courses that are job-related

To get started contact your DSHS case manager or the WorkFirst office at Centralia College (TSB 101).

Contact

Margaret Friedley Transitional Services Building, Room 101 360-623-8410 Email Margret Friedley

Michelle Hylton Transitional Services Building, Room 101 360-623-8441 Email Michelle Hylton

 

WorkFirst Financial Aid

Eligible students may qualify for financial assistance towards tuition, fees and books (contingent on the availability of funding).

To apply for federal financial aid, submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

WorkFirst Work Study

WorkFirst work study provides employment opportunities while attending school and may be available to eligible WorkFirst students (contingent upon funding).  Positions are available on and off campus and, whenever possible, should be related to the student’s area of study.

CONTACT

Lisa Welch
Transitional Services Building, Room 101
360-623-8649
Email Lisa Welch

The Opportunity Grant program is intended to assist low-income students enroll in college for training in high-wage, high-demand career pathways.  All pathways approved under the Opportunity Grant program provide a minimum beginning wage of $13.00 per hour.  Students who qualify for the Opportunity Grant program may be eligible to receive assistance with tuition, fees, books, and some supplies.  The grant may pay for up to a total of 45 credits over a period of three years.

General Eligibility Guidelines

In order to qualify for an Opportunity Grant, students must be pursuing an approved pathway, be a Washington State resident, meet the income guidelines, have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) filed that establishes financial need, and provide a letter of recommendation at time of intake.

Approved Pathways

• Accounting
• Business Office Careers
• Corrections/Criminal Justice
• Diesel Technology
• Early Childhood Education
• Electronics
• Energy Technology
• Medical Careers
• Welding

Income Guidelines for 2019-20 

Listed below are the income guidelines to be used for the Opportunity Grant for the 2019-20 academic year effective March. These are calculated at 200 percent of the 2019 federal poverty levels.

Size of Family Unit	Annual Gross Income Cut-off Amounts	Monthly Gross Income Cut-off Amounts
1	$24,980	$2,082
2	$33,820	$2,818
3	$42,660	$3,555
4	$51,500	$4,292
For each additional person, add	$8,840	$736

 

Contact

Lisa Welch
Transitional Services Building, Room 101
360-623-8649
Email Lisa Welch