Appendix A: Approved Programs That Increase Employability

Enrolled Through Programs That Increase Employability

• TRIO Upward Bound

• GEARUP

• ELECT

• Title II Adult Basic Education

• Chafee Education and Training Grant

Enrolled in Compliance With Programs That Increase Employability

• Act 101 Programs

• Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

• TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) programs at the following IHEs only:

• • University of Pittsburgh
  • Pennsylvania Western University (California, Clarion, and Edinboro)
• TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the following IHE only:
  • University of Pittsburgh
• Kessler Scholars program at the following IHE only:
  • University of Pittsburgh

Additional Programs That Establish a Student Exemption

• TANF RESET

• WIOA Title I

• Bridge Programs and Remedial Programs

Certifying Additional Programs

The above list of programs is not intended to be exhaustive. In addition to the programs listed, there may be other local programs that meet all three criteria for certification. To qualify, a program must:

• Primarily serve students from low-income households;

• Be operated by a state or local government, or instrumentality thereof; and

• Provide the equivalent of at least one allowable activity under SNAP E&T. (See SHB 535 Appendix A)

CAO Responsibilities

If a client believes a program in which they are participating would meet the above criteria, the CAO may ask for the contact information for a school official who can verify the program details. The CAO may also provide the SNAP College Program Checklist to the college or IHE. If the CAO receives a completed SNAP College Program Checklist from an IHE or receives an inquiry from an IHE about adding a specific program to the list of eligible programs, the CAO should forward all information and IHE contact details to RA-PWSNAPIHEElig@pa.gov.

College or IHE Responsibilities

          Colleges should review the criteria above to be sure that the program they are asking about is potentially eligible. Colleges may submit their formal requests directly to RA-PWSNAPIHEElig@pa.gov using the SNAP College Program Checklist.

Headquarters Responsibilities

The Bureau of Policy and Bureau of Employment Programs will jointly certify programs which meet all three criteria, inform the CAO and the IHE of the final determination, and update this Appendix with any additional approved programs.

Updated March 4, 2025, replacing February 27, 2025