KEYS provides support services and counseling to students who receive TANF or SNAP and are pursuing post-secondary education and training at community colleges, while allowing those students up to 24 months (with the possibility of extensions) to complete their degrees and credentials. Each KEYS student receives support and guidance from a “KEYS student facilitator,” who helps the student identify potential career goals in fields with available jobs that pay family-sustaining wages. The facilitator also helps the student design a course schedule appropriate for meeting those goals and assists with financial aid applications and transportation and child care arrangements. Department of Public Welfare’s Special Allowances for Supportive Services can pay student registration fees for education and training programs and provide students with transportation and child care assistance, books and school supplies, and clothing and uniforms.
CLASP – TANF Education and Training: Pennsylvania’s KEYS Program