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Workfirst

The WorkFirst team at Edmonds College believes in the Washington state goal for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients: "A job, a better job, a better life."

One of the best ways to reach this goal is through free education and training through WorkFirst.

If you receive a WorkFirst grant, it may pay for tuition, books, and fees for classes for certificate programs. Students must be receiving TANF to be eligible.

How to Apply

To be eligible for free WorkFirst education and training programs, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Currently receiving TANF (cash assistance from the Department of Social and Health Services [DSHS])
  • Have DSHS case manager approval to attend full-time vocational education

Contact your DSHS case manager to see if you qualify.

What is TANF?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a cash grant from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

For more information on how to apply for TANF or other support services from DSHS, see www.dshs.wa.gov or call DSHS at 1.877.501.2233.

What does WorkFirst at Edmonds College offer?

The WorkFirst grant may pay for tuition, books, and fees for TANF recipients. It is designed to be linked to a specific career ladder and to lead to better skills and higher wages.

Certificate Programs*

  • Accounting
    Accounting for Small Business
  • Allied Health Education
    Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant | Clinical Lab Assistant | Health Unit Coordinator | Patient Care Technician | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | Pharmacy Technician
  • Business Information Technology
    Accounting | Basic Office | Advanced Office | Medical Information Technology | Medical Office | Office Skills Technician
  • Business Management
    Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
  • Computer Information Systems
    Desktop Support Specialist
  • Culinary Arts
    Baking | Basic Commercial | Basic Catering
  • Horticulture
    Ornamental Horticulture
  • Hospitality and Tourism
    Travel Certificate
  • Washington Aerospace Training and Research (WATR) Center
    Aerospace Electrical Assembly Mechanic | Aerospace Tooling

* If what you want to study is not listed, please contact Kama Lemay at 425.640.1909 or kama.lemay@edmonds.edu.

The Following Classes are Open Entry (start anytime)

  • WorkFirst Education & Employment Readiness Class 
    For more information, contact Penny Robins at penny.robins@edmonds.edu.
  • Solid Foundation Class 
    Classes meet online in two-week sessions. For more information, contact Penny Robins at penny.robins@edmonds.edu.
  • WorkFirst GED Class | 9 am-noon, Monday-Thursday (online Winter Quarter)
    For more information, contact Carolee Davis, GED instructor, at 425.640.1232 or cdavis@edmonds.edu.

Contact Us

Main line: 425.640.1686

WorkFirst Office

Gateway Hall 106
Edmonds College
6600 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA

Questions? Call Kama Lemay, WorkFirst Coordinator, at 425.640.1909.
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