I-BEST @ Work
Education and Training for the Future of Work
The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is proud to announce the I-BEST @ Work program! This extension of the I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) program provides training to frontline workers in the retail, hospitality, tourism and food service industries. Our program will help to create a skilled workforce for the employer, while providing access to educational pathways for workers.
The I-BEST @ Work model will include a company trainer, adult basic education instructor and a navigator to provide wraparound support. The team-teaching approach gives students the opportunity to work with two teachers in the classroom. One teaches basic skills in reading, technology, or English language and the other provides job skills training. In most cases learning will take place on site, making learning convenient for the workers.
Grant Application Information
Please contact Nicole Hopkins for access to the online application form.
Important Dates
Dates are subject to change.
| Milestones | Key Dates |
|---|---|
| Grant Application available | July 19, 2019 |
| Grants projected to begin | August 19, 2019 |
| Initial narrative and impact & story reports due | October 15, 2019 |
| Invoices due for all grant expenses through September 30, 2019 | October 31, 2019 |
| Invoices due for all grant expenses through December 31, 2019 | January 31, 2020 |
| Invoices due for all grant expenses through March 31, 2019 | April 30, 2020 |
| Grants end | June 30, 2020 |
| Final narrative reports due | June 30, 2020 |
| Final invoices due | July 15, 2020 |
Grant Guidelines
The following documents provide detailed information about how grant funds can be used, who can apply, the application process and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Employers
I-BEST @ Work is a program that quickly teaches your employees skills for the workplace, English language, and helps them earn their high school diploma or college-level credit.
A local community or technical college or state-approved basic skills provider will partner with you to develop a curriculum customized for your employees.
Using a nationally-recognized team-teaching model, an instructor will develop students’ reading, writing, numeracy, English language, employability, and technology skills while your trainer or manager teaches workplace skills like safety, processes, and management.
In addition, an I-BEST @ Work navigator will work closely with employees by connecting them with academic and community support so they successfully finish the program.
I-BEST @ Work is an investment in your employees. With improved basic and workplace skills, employees are better able to contribute in their jobs, thereby helping your organization meet its goals. Plus, well-trained employees can significantly reduce employer-related costs and turnover.
Employers pay for the workplace trainer or manager and the training space. Program development and navigational services are paid for by a grant from Walmart, and academic instruction is paid for by your basic skills provider partner.
You’re not required to provide paid release time, but you are encouraged to do so.
To find out more information about I-BEST @ Work, contact Nicole Hopkins, the I-BEST @ Work program administrator with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges at nhopkins@sbctc.edu or 360-704-3989.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Providers
I-BEST @ Work is a program that quickly teaches employees skills for the workplace, the English language, and helps them earn their high school diploma or college-level credit.
A local employer will partner with you to develop a curriculum customized for their employees. Using I-BEST — the nationally-recognized team-teaching model — your adult basic education instructor will develop students’ reading, writing, numeracy, English language, employability, and technology skills while the employer’s trainer or manager teaches workplace skills like safety, processes and management. In addition, an I-BEST @ Work navigator will work closely with employees by connecting them with academic and community support so they can successfully finish the program.
Basic Skills providers pay for academic instruction. Your employer partner pays for the workplace trainer or manager and the training space. Program development and navigational services are paid for by a grant from Walmart.
Equity-mindedness is infused throughout I-BEST @ Work. The intentional focus will create opportunities for all employees to pursue their education, with funding and technical support in each partnership. I-BEST @ Work is an opportunity to strengthen business and community relationships and create strong pathways into college programs.
Basic Skills providers can choose to partner with any employer in retail and related sectors. The employer must have employees who are frontline customer service workers.
To find out more information about I-BEST @ Work, contact Nicole Hopkins, the I-BEST @ Work program administrator with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges at nhopkins@sbctc.edu or 360-704-3989.
Page Manager:
clowder@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 7/31/24, 3:50 PM
