Updated December 2016
This benefits and work supports initiative of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a pilot program to help SNAP recipients in Fresno County, California, build skills to keep gainful employment. Pilots give the USDA and participating states the opportunity to build on existing SNAP E&T programs and test new strategies to determine the most effective way to help SNAP recipients locate and keep employment that leads to self-sufficiency.
As one of 10 such pilots, the Fresno program incorporates elements of case management, the career pathways approach, work-based learning, public-private partnerships, and subsidized employment.
Resources: Overview
Element is not present in this initiative.
Financial incentives are awarded to participants for milestone achievements such as enrollment, retention, and skill upgrades.
Local partners include:
Secondary education navigators provide ABE and GED acquisition programs in-house. Work-based learning opportunities are also available.
Subsidized and enhanced employment services—along with retention services—are available to participants for up to 12 months.
All SNAP E&T Pilots have measurement criteria typical of federal grants. Two research organizations are conducting independent evaluations of the projects to help the USDA identify which approaches are most effective for the diverse population of SNAP recipients.
This initiative could benefit from connecting to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I strategic employer engagement through industry sector partnerships with high-demand occupations. This could help SNAP E&T target specific industries with a skills shortage, engage employers based on occupational targets, and produce portable skills in participants.
Does this information need updating or adjustment? Send us your suggestions: CAcareerpathway@clasp.org