Fresh Success CalFresh Employment and Training Model
Fresh Success helps community colleges and community-based organizations effectively start and manage CalFresh Employment and Training (E&T) programs in partnership with their counties. Through Fresh Success, CalFresh participants gain education and training that will lead to better employment and a path to economic self-sufficiency. This approach to CalFresh Employment & Training, which connects counties with local colleges and CBOs that provide employment & training services, allows for increased federal funding and innovative, job-driven approaches.
The Foundation provides tools, templates, training, and technical assistance to ease the start-up process, support effective program practices, and help manage federal funding.
Program Services
Fresh Success participants strengthen their employability through classes and training programs offered at community colleges and community-based organizations. These include educational programs that improve basic skills or otherwise improve employability (e.g., basic skills, English Language Learning, high school equivalency) and programs that provide skills training (e.g., career education, vocational training).
Through Fresh Success, these participants receive supportive services such as career counseling; interview training; job search, placement, and retention services; educational plans; academic monitoring; tutoring; and case management. Participants also receive help to reduce their financial barriers to participation, such as transportation assistance, textbooks, and supplies.
Program Benefits
Improves skills for unemployed and low-wage workers.
Fresh Success is a critical tool that can provide employer-valued skills training to low-income Californians.
Increases participation in CalFresh.
CalFresh is one of the largest anti-poverty programs in California. E&T programs like Fresh Success incentivize people to enroll in CalFresh by offering supplemental services and resources in addition to access to nutritious food.
Extends benefits to students.
Community college students are usually excluded from CalFresh benefits if they are not working at least half-time; however, participation in an E&T program such as Fresh Success provides an exemption so they can receive food benefits while in school.
Provides a path from poverty.
Research shows completing a certificate or degree at a community college is associated with increased wages and employment opportunities.
About CalFresh
CalFresh helps improve the health and well-being of qualified households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. CalFresh is California’s version of the federal food assistance program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps.
Learn more about CalFresh>
CalFresh Employment and Training programs
People who receive CalFresh benefits may be eligible for specific Employment and Training programs through their counties. CalFresh E&T is administered by the California Department of Social Services with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Counties may choose whether they will administer an E&T program, and not all California counties currently offer an E&T program. See the current Fresh Success Providers and their partnering counties.