Every person deserves a pathway to success
SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) is a voluntary program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The program offers recipients job seeking skills, classroom training, and structured employment search, at no cost to participants.
About E&T
Eligibility
To be eligible for E&T services, a person must:
- Be a SNAP recipient
- Age 18 or older (16-17 if enrolled or already obtained high school diploma)
- Not receiving FIP/PROMISE JOBS services
- Reside in an E&T Service Area
- Be able and ready to work within one year of education/training completion
Services
The goal of the E&T program is to provide SNAP participants with no-cost training and education to achieve self-sufficiency and stability. Participants may enroll in:
- Education services including:
- High school equivalency, ESL and continuing education
- Short-term certificate or diploma programs
- Two-year credit degree programs for in-demand industries
- Industry specific training programs
- Job search activities
- Job retention services
- Upon completion of education, training, or job search
- Up to 90 days from employment start date
Possible Assistance
- Personal Support: Designated E&T Case Manager works with each participant to:
- Complete an employability assessment that addresses education, employment, legal background, aptitude, obstacles, support systems, and attitude.
- Identify necessary services and supports
- Regular communication to monitor needs and progress, provide assistance, coaching and referrals
- Issuance of financial supports
- Tuition assistance (including books, fees, and other necessary training materials)
- Transportation assistance
- Clothing, uniforms, equipment, tools and materials necessary for training, education, job search and employment
- Reasonable accommodation supplies
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Medical Supports – (including minor dental work)
- Emergency housing/utility assistance
How E&T Works – 50/50 Reimbursement Program
Vision
The program will expand opportunities for Iowans and empower them to achieve sustainable wage employment through training, employment services, and job readiness activities in all 99 counties by December 31, 2025.
- Program Expansion: The E&T program will provide additional pathways for participants to engage in activities that promote self-sufficiency and stability, creating a diverse network of E&T Service Providers through partnerships with community colleges, community based organizations, and other state agencies.
E&T in Action
E&T in Action – SNAP E&T in Action is a four-part series that highlights successful outcomes from SNAP E&T program participants.
- Self Sufficiency
- Economic Impact
- Fit for Purpose
- New Partnerships
View videos here
Success in E&T - Iowa Highlights
Interested in Joining an E&T program?
To get more information on E&T services available in your area, click on the provider hyperlink listed under Current Partners below:
Current Partners
DHS collaborates with the following community colleges to provide these valuable services to SNAP recipients seeking self-sufficiency through training and employment:
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Evelyn K. Davis Center
- Hawkeye Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
- Southeastern Community College
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Project Iowa
- Des Moines Council of Saint Vincent De Paul
- Goodwill of the Heartland
- Lutheran Services in Iowa
Contact Information
Current Provider Map & Contact Information
Email: ETpolicy@dhs.state.ia.us
Or contact:
Carrie Ross-Stanley, DHS E&T
Become a 50/50 E&T Service Provider
Factors to consider include:
- The Right Participants: Individuals participating in an education, training or job search program AND receiving SNAP in Iowa.
- The Right Services: Provider of education, training, job search or job retention activities that promote and provide a path to self-sufficiency.
- The Right Funding Source(s): Non-Federal funding source(s) that is not used as a match in another federally funded program.
- The Right Capacity: The administrative requirements of the E&T program are specific and can be rigorous. Appropriate staffing and financial capacity to assess and enroll participants, provide appropriate services and supports, track and record participant progress and outcomes, collect and report required data, track and appropriately bill program costs associated with a federally funded program are essential.
- Detailed information about the E&T program is found here in the Prospective Provider Packet.
- Organizations interested in becoming an E&T Service Provider should also download and complete the E&T Service Provider Application.
- Email etapplications@dhs.state.ia.us to schedule an informational meeting to receive additional application materials for completion of budget information.
- Completed applications must be submitted via email to etapplications@dhs.state.ia.us