This paper addresses the role community colleges can play in moving the working poor toward economic independence. Since Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) was enacted in 1996, there have been many new job openings in the country. But, employment and earnings prospects for job seekers leaving the welfare system are dismal. TANF clients…

This paper analyzes the role the community college plays as a bridge to opportunity for the working poor and economically disadvantaged. Because educating the disadvantaged is expensive and often under-funded--particularly in the area of basic or remedial education--many community colleges opt to focus on educating more advantaged students in…

In 1998, Washington state passed into law WorkFirst, its version of the federal welfare reform program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Colleges were funded for four training programs: (1) Pre-Employment Training; (2) Tuition Assistance; (3) Workplace Basic Skills; and (4) Families That Work. This paper presents the overall…

In 1998, Washington passed into law WorkFirst, its version of the federal welfare reform program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Colleges were funded for four training programs: (1) Pre-Employment Training; (2) Tuition Assistance; (3) Workplace Basic Skills; and (4) Families That Work. This paper presents the overall second-year…

This paper, which focuses on welfare reform's impact on community colleges, is part of a series published by the Center for Community College Policy, designed to support state and local policymakers, as well as educational leaders who are interested in policy issues related to the two-year postsecondary sector. Education has always been a critical…