WorkFirst

WorkFirst at Yakima Valley College can help TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients gain the skills they need to prepare for a better job.

TANF parents can achieve their educational goals by enrolling in a variety of vocational and training programs. WorkFirst students are also eligible to receive financial assistance to pay for tuition, fees and books. ​

Program Information

  • High Wage/High Demand, I-BEST, and/or Vocational Education
  • Basic Skills, ESL and/or Skills Enhancement Training
  • Customized Job Skills Training (CJST) 

  • Must be currently receiving TANF and meeting all participation requirements
  • Students must be enrolled in a Workforce Education program through YVC
  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above and meet YVC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy
  • Must have a referral to YVC for training from your case manager at DSHS
  • Eligible students may attend full time or part-time classes

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 Workforce Education degree or certificate. To be eligible you must be a current TANF recipient.

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 Workforce Education degree or certificate. To be eligible you must be a current TANF recipient.

WorkFirst offers on-campus, part-time jobs to meet participation requirements at Yakima and Grandview campuses in any YVC work-study position. Students may work up to 19 hours per week, gain employment experience and on-the-job training while earning a paycheck.

Eligibility: Enrolled in 6 or more credits and have unmet need, and meet YVC academic and financial aid requirements.

  1. Meet with your DSHS WorkFirst case manager to receive a referral to YVC WorkFirst staff.
  2. Once the referral is accepted by YVC, students must visit the WorkFirst office in their area for an initial meeting.
  3. WorkFirst staff will help you develop an educational plan.


WorkFirst Contacts

Name Job Title Email Phone
Lonni Rodriguez-Funk WorkFirst Director lrodriguez-funk@yvcc.edu 509.574.4607
Maria Hernandez WorkFirst Coordinator mhernandez@yvcc.edu 509.834.4549
Heather Lundquist WorkFirst Program Assistant hlundquist@yvcc.edu 509.574.4745
Kristen Hursh WorkFirst Work Study Coordinator khursh@yvcc.edu 509.574.4797
Monserrat Vargas Financial Aid - Special Funding Coordinator mvargas@yvcc.edu 509.574.4977
Jocelyn Galindo WorkFirst Bilingual Office Assistant 3 jgalindo@yvcc.edu 509.834.4561