I-BEST PROGRAMS



Program Description
 

Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) pairs a professional/technical program with Adult Basic Education (ABE); including reading, writing and math skills. It provides educational access and support for students to progress further and faster along career pathways.

Yakima Valley Community College links with many local employers who have specific hiring needs. I-BEST programs are designed to meet those needs. 
 

The programs are designed to:

• Provide income-eligible clients with job training needed to build a better life.

• Provide education, experience, and support needed to gain employment and get ahead on the job.

• Help qualified families become self-sufficient.

Yakima Valley Community College offers three types of I-BEST programs:

Nursing Assistant Certificate
The Nursing Assistant Certificate (NAC) training is a two-quarter program that will prepare students for a career as a Nursing Assistant. After completion of the training, students will be eligible to test for the Nursing Assistant Certificate with the Department of Health. 

Download the program's flyer

Completing the program also offers students an opportunity to pursue other certifications and degrees through Yakima Valley Community College in the Allied Health & Nursing Pathway.

Contact for NAC is:

Patrick Ibarra
(509) 574-4733
pibarra@yvcc.edu

Child Development Associate
The Child Development Associate (CDA) training gives students an opportunity to start a path in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

Students complete two courses in ECE before being assessed for the CDA credential, and earn 15 college credits along the way. Students can choose between preschool, infant/toddler, or home provider.

Download the program's flyer

Completing the program offers students an opportunity to pursue other certifications and degrees in the Early Childhood Education Pathway.

Contact for CDA is:

Rachel Sandoval
(509) 574-4745
rsandoval@yvcc.ed

Business Technology
The Business Technology (BTECH) program is designed to assist students in obtaining general office skills while reinforcing basic reading, writing, and math.

Office Skills I Certification: Office Skills I Certification is available for two consecutive quarters of study. Students will develop skills related to keyboarding and basic computer operations.

Office Skills II Certification: After completing the Office Skills I Certificate, students will have an opportunity to enter the Office Skills Certificate II.

Download the program's flyer

Completing the program also offers students an opportunity to pursue other certifications and degrees in the Business Technology Pathway.

Contact for BTECH is:

Rachel Sandoval
(509) 574-4745
rsandoval@yvcc.edu

Funding Sources 

While a student can always self-pay to join YVCC's I-BEST programs, there are alternative sources of funding for some students looking for aid. 

WorkFirst Financial Aid
 WorkFirst Financial Aid assists TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) parents in gaining the skills needed to become employed.  WorkFirst Financial Aid assistance  includes funding for tuition, fees, and books toward an approved vocational degree or certificate.  To be eligible you must be a current TANF recipient.

Opportunity Grant
Opportunity Grants are awarded to low-income students who are enrolled in specific high-demand career pathway programs at YVCC.

Worker Retraining Grant
The Worker Retraining Program provides training assistance to individuals who are receiving WA State Unemployment Insurance benefits or have lost their jobs due to economic changes and need to change careers in order to re-enter the workforce.