WASHINGTON – The National Governors Association (NGA) and Third Sector Capital Partners (Third Sector) selected Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, and North Carolina to participate in the Policy Academy to Strengthen SNAP E&T Delivery. These four states will receive technical assistance through the policy academy to identify and address barriers to successfully implementing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) programs in their states.
“Idaho is grateful to partner with the National Governors Association and three other states to focus on ways we can strengthen our ongoing efforts to bolster work and training opportunities that help Idaho’s benefit recipients enter or advance in the workforce,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little. “Everywhere I go, employers tell me they need more skilled workers to fill open jobs. Idaho remains committed to exploring innovative ways to help those looking for good jobs and those looking to hire talented employees.”
SNAP E&T, a federal program administered in each state, is designed to help SNAP recipients gain skills and find work that increases their economic mobility. While every state operates a SNAP E&T Program, states often experience challenges that limit their ability to take full advantage of available funding and flexibilities that are part of the program, which can make it difficult for service providers to serve recipients. By facilitating coordination between the Governor’s office and key workforce and human services agencies, the policy academy will help states unlock SNAP E&T to drive more resources and opportunities so SNAP recipients can realize economic self-sufficiency.
“This year Indiana took workforce development to the next level, by raising awareness of current government programs through our ‘One Stop to Start’ website,” said Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. “We are pleased to be working with the NGA and other states to increase the effectiveness of SNAP Employment and Training programs, so that Hoosiers who receive supplemental nutrition assistance can skill up and find good-paying jobs.”
NGA and Third Sector will support each state team by:
- Establishing an action plan for how each state will meet goals for expanding access to SNAP E&T programs;
- Providing coaching support with each state team as it develops its plan; and
- Hosting cohort webinars so that state teams can engage in peer learning as they develop their plans.
The policy academy is being co-led by the NGA Center’s Workforce Development & Economic Policy program and the Children & Families program. To learn more about the Policy Academy to Strengthen SNAP E&T Delivery, please visit NGA’s project page or email Jack Porter (JPorter@nga.org) and Jordan Hynes (JHynes@nga.org).
