October 2, 2018 Melissa Lamar

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(October 2, 2018) Today, Mark Ojakian, President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) announced that CSCU has expanded its partnership with CT Department of Social Services and is now the first state in New England to offer free classes to anyone eligible for SNAP at all its 12 community colleges.  Individuals who qualify for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now complete relevant coursework, for free, in over 60 programs with high industry demand including Advanced Manufacturing, Allied Health and Emergency Medical Response. Capital Community College was the first CSCU institution to implement SNAP Employment & Training more than 10 years ago. Over 70% of students are employed within 6 months after completion and 1,200 have enrolled in the program for this academic year.

“This program trains residents for good paying available jobs in Connecticut, while at the same time leveraging federal support, said CSCU President Ojakian. “We have a responsibility to provide a high quality educational experience to any student who is willing to put in the work to pursue one, and make sure they are able to compete in today’s job market. This is also an example of how we leverage our system to holistically address all the costs and barriers students face to get their education.”

Thanks to our outstanding partners in the CSCU system, we are now able to bring SNAP Employment & Training opportunities to every part of the state,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby.  “Students who are enrolled in SNAP can access our excellent community colleges and training for careers in high-demand occupations with a future.  Our partnership brings in federal dollars to help students succeed and our overall economy to benefit.”

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the CT Department of Social Services, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food-purchasing assistance for low individuals and families living in the United States. SNAP Employment & Training programs were created to help recipients gain skills, training, or experience to increase their ability to obtain regular employment.

For more information on Connecticut’s SNAP Employment & Training program, also called ‘CT Pathways,’ please visit www.ct.gov/snap/employmentandtraining.

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For Immediate Release: October 2, 2018

Contact: Maribel La Luz

o. 860.723.0617

c. 860.539.5485

e. [email protected]

t. @maribellita