Purpose

To provide education and training to basic food recipients, preparing them for sustainable employment and economic self-sufficiency.

Eligibility

You may qualify to receive assistance with vocational training and support services through BFET if:

  • You are eligible for basic food assistance.
  • Household income at or below 200% of federal poverty level (find out if you qualify)
  • You are registered for the current or upcoming quarter.
  • You have a FAFSA for the current school year on file with our Financial Aid office (link to financial aid forms page!).
  • You are not receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). *If you are participating in the TANF WorkFirst program, ask about how the BFET program may support you in the future*.
  • You are enrolled at Whatcom Community College in a BFET eligible program, including (but not limited to): Professional/Technical, high school completion/GED prep, adult basic education, and English Language Learner classes/certificates/diplomas/degrees, and associate in applied science degrees.

Program Support

  • Continued Basic Food Benefits while you are in school.
  • Financial assistance with program-related expenses like textbooks and supplies.
  • Possible tuition assistance for eligible courses not funded by financial aid.
  • Childcare subsidy eligibility.
  • Individualized academic, financial aid, and career planning support.
  • Community and Campus resources referrals and advocacy.

Enrollment documents

1. Complete the enrollment forms

2. Submit documents to BFET@whatcom.edu. 

3. Meet with a BFET advisor (either in person or Zoom)

Schedule: BFET@whatcom.edu or by calling (360) 383-3185  

Current students may schedule through Starfish.

Questions

Contact BFET staff at 360.383.3185 or BFET@whatcom.edu.

Associate Director for Workforce Funding
Tess Winds-Johnson
twindsjohnson@whatcom.edu
Phone: 360.383.3183

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.