WorkFirst Tuition Assistance 101

1. WorkFirst Tuition Assistance101 Student’s raising future students!

2. WorkFirst Financial Aid/Tuition Assistance WorkFirst Financial Aid, also known as Tuition Assistance, is intended to assist WorkFirst (TANF) and low-incomeparents to gain the skills needed to become employed or to advance in employment through wage and skill progression.

3. What programs are they in? • Vocational Education courses or sets of courses • Vocational certificate/degree programs when a client is not eligible for other forms of financial aid to include Customized Job Skills Training, High Wage/High Demand, and I-BEST programs • Prerequisites and developmental/remedial education required for entry into a Vocational Education program • Basic Education, including WorkFirst Family Literacy, High School Completion, ESL, and GED classes and testing • Continuing education courses that are job related – continuing education courses (self-support) that are job skills related that do not cost more than the amount of full-time resident tuition for one year • Other WorkFirst tuition bearing classes

4. Income eligible parent table • Listed below are the income cut-offs to be used for WorkFirst Financial • Aid/Tuition Assistance for the 2008-09 academic year effective July 1, 2008. These • are calculated at 175% of the 2008 Health and Human Services Poverty • Guidelines. • Size Annual Monthly • of Family Income Cut-off Income Cut-off • Unit Amounts Amounts • 1 $18,200 $1,517 • 2 $24,500 $2,042 • 3 $30,800 $2,567 • 4 $37,100 $3,092 • 5 $43,400 $3,617 • 6 $49,700 $4,142 • 7 $56,000 $4,667 • 8 $62,300 $5,192 • 9 $68,600 $5,717 • 10 $74,900 $6,242 • 11 $81,200 $6,767 • 12 $87,500 $7,292 • Documentation requirements to verify income and hours • Acceptable Forms of Income Verification •  Financial Statements (Pay stubs, Receipts and W-2); •  Collateral Statements (For example letter from person paying student • for services such as child care); or •  Letter from the person or company that has control of the income • (For example student was recently hired).

5. Eligibility Requirements Regarding Residency, Citizenship and Alien Status • Specifically, a student must meet all eligibility requirements, including family composition and income eligibility and be one of the following: a. A U.S. citizen; b. A U.S. national; c. An American Indian born outside the U.S.; d. A “qualified alien”; e. A victim of trafficking; or f. A Hmong or Highland Lao. g. Physically reside in Washington State.

6. What is the process for receiving WorkFirst Tuition Assistance? • Parents/students will need to contact: 206.878.3710 X 3340 or stop by building 6 to Women’s Programs & WorkFirst Services to make an advisor appointment for class registration and funding eligibility screening.

7. Why do WorkFirst students want me to sign off on hours spent in the classroom or in practicum experience? • TANF parents/students are receiving a grant from the Department of Health and Social Services (DSHS) each month. A part of the DRA (Deficit Reduction Act) included a plan to hold welfare parents accountable for their time spent while receiving funds. If TANF parents are attending college, they are mandated to track their time while on campus. While our parents should be using the Accutrack system, many forget & will ask instructors to sign a form from the WorkFirst office as a back up. While not encouraged, we need the hours for federal reports and to keep the funding for future students and FTE!

8. Women’s ProgramsMission Statement • Our purpose is to provide a welcoming place for potential students, current students and community members who are looking for classes, workshops and services focused on issues facing them today. We can help you overcome the hurdles you face coming to school, support you while you are here and assist you with the transition back to work. Funding is provided through the college and community support. Ongoing services include college advising, job search assistance, resource referral and administration of our Emergency Scholarship Fund. Students and community members may call to schedule a free appointment or sign up for orientation. Our classes and services are open to both men and women.

9. Considering College Orientation Considering College - An  Orientation to Highline - Free Are you ready for a change but unsure of where to start? • Wondering if college is the right place for you?  • In this free interactive workshop you will learn about the process of coming to college and the steps to a brighter future. • Learn how to finance your education and what resources are available to help you succeed. • For dates & times see the intranet calendar

10. College 199 • College 199 - College Success Strategies • This class will provide an opportunity for students to develop the tools which will prepare them for academic and personal success. Specific emphasis will be placed on academic and career goal setting. • Facilitator: Women's Programs StaffNo Fee: Pre-registration suggestedWhen: To be announced quarterlyLocation: To be announced quarterlyCall our office for more details: (206) 878-3710, ext. 3340

11. Individual Services •  Academic Advising •  WorkFirst Services •  Workshops •  Job Search • Parenting Support •  Referrals to Resources•  Domestic Violence Advocacy •  Sexual Harassment Information

12. Special Events to Watch For... • Spring is the Time for our Annual Women's Celebration • We host local honorary guests as keynote speakers, during our annual Women's Celebration when we present our WOMEN AWARDS, and raise funds to supply our Emergency Scholarship Foundation.

13. Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) • Early in March, Highline Community College Women's Programs and The American Association of University Women come together to promote the participation of young women in the science and math fields. • Despite the demand for well-educated workers and decades of work to bring women into highly skilled positions in fields such as math, science, engineering and technology, an overwhelming majority of young women still lack the confidence to enter these exciting careers. • By reaching out to girls in ninth through twelfth grades, Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) catches women at a pivotal point when they can still embark on educational paths towards highly skilled careers. • If you are interested in teaching at this years EYH event please contact Deana Rader at: X3340 or email drader@highline.edu

14. Domestic Violence Awareness Month • During the month of October, Highline Community College hosts a variety of events geared toward education and healing activities for those who have been touched by domestic violence. • The October month of events is sponsored by Highline Community College Women’s Programs. Watch for campus wide emails for upcoming event dates, times and locations.

15. Breast Cancer Awareness Month! • During February We Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month! • Breast Cancer awareness is our responsibility to ourselves as women. Today there is NO EXCUSE to remain uneducated about something that is so vital to our health and that of our loved ones and friends. Join us in February as we explore all the information, resources and support that is now available to us. Look for further details of upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Events. We'll be looking forward to seeing you there!

16. Resource information • Women’s Programs & WorkFirst Services offers an array of resources that can assist your students in need. If you have students stating they have a need for Tuition/books, housing, DV issues and more please have them stop by our department so we can assist them in the right direction for possible assistance.

17. Thank you! • Women’s Programs & WorkFirst Services would like to extend our gratitude to all faculty and staff that help our parents succeed! It is because of you that our students go on to make a livable wage and give back to our surrounding communities. Keep up the great work! Women’s Programs & WorkFirst Services Staff