The 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum took place October 29-30, 2024, at the Tysons Marriott in Tysons, VA. The 2024 National Forum offered diverse sessions centered around the theme of Momentum. Harnessing the energy across the country from new state partnerships, innovative approaches, and a new national campaign, More Than a Job, our Forum theme of Momentum encapsulated our goal of building on SNAP E&T’s strong foundation—and continuing to strengthen and reimagine the program into the future.
Click the links below to view the presentations and recordings (if available) from the Forum sessions. Sessions are organized by topic track.
- Opening Plenary
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Cathy Buhrig, Associate Administrator, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
Opening Plenary: Partnerships Driving Work and Skill-Building Opportunities for SNAP Participants
- Cathy Buhrig, Associate Administrator, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
- Tracy Hartzler, President, Central New Mexico Community College
- Martin Scaglione, Chief Mission Officer, Goodwill Industries International
- Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards
- Growing and Strengthening SNAP E&T Programs
Growing and Strengthening SNAP E&T Programs
Every state operates a SNAP E&T program; however, operating an effective program is complex. State agencies should be designing programs to meet the needs of participants and to be responsive to the communities in which it operates. Designing an E&T program is not a one-time effort and requires continual review and assessments of evolving community factors— including current labor market needs, provider availability and service quality—and the target population’s interests and needs. When there is not alignment, administrators should redesign aspects of the program. To help with this process, FNS has developed the Growing and Strengthening series: a set of tools that, together, will help determine if your SNAP E&T program is meeting your goals of operating an effective program. This session introduced the series and the existing tools.Breaking Down Barriers and Building Futures with SNAP E&T
This was a live-streamed session at the 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum. This session explored how SNAP E&T providers and state agencies thoroughly assess participants to identify and address the multitude of barriers that can prohibit SNAP recipients from being successful in SNAP E&T. The session highlighted the importance of screening and referral, assessment, case management models and organizational and systemic collaboration. A state SNAP agency and several E&T providers shared their strategies for providing comprehensive wrap around services that result in successful program completions and transitions to fruitful careers.Scaling a Statewide Coaching and Case Management Model in Colorado
This session explored how Colorado has integrated the Goal4 It! coaching model into its case management approach for Employment First (SNAP E&T) alongside other programs as part of a state-wide initiative to improve the consistency and quality of workforce development services. This session provided an overview of the Goal4 It! model and how it embeds science-based strategies for strengthening core self-regulation skills through goal achievement coaching. The session also shared state-level perspectives about the design and implementation of state-wide case management strategy in the context of a county-administered system, and how the state is promoting adoption and integration of the model through leadership development. Lastly, the session shared specific strategies of this model that advance and support the goals of SNAP E&T.A Framework for the Effectiveness of SNAP E&T Programs: Listening Session
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, requires that USDA assess the effectiveness of State SNAP E&T programs as part of the Department’s program monitoring and oversight activities. FNS is adopting a broad consideration of what makes an effective SNAP E&T program, grounded in ensuring E&T programs are designed to truly meet the employment and training needs of all SNAP participants, meaningfully address barriers to employment. During this session, FNS solicited input and feedback from state SNAP agencies about what makes an effective SNAP E&T program, what elements should be included in a framework for determining an effective program and any additional considerations that should inform this effort.- Fueling Innovative Programs
Chamber of Commerce Partners with SNAP E&T: A Collective Impact Model
The state of Maine partners with Lewiston Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Strengthen LA to implement a collective impact model that leverages relationships with businesses and addresses workforce needs for career seekers. Collective impact is a model for addressing complex problems that require complex solutions and strategies to solve - a way of addressing issues that are just too big for any one organization to solve on their own. In this session, attendees learned more about the Collective Impact model, including how cross-sector partnerships can be nurtured. Attendees explored how to identify if existing efforts they are connected with might be a good fit for this model, and to expand the reach and impact of your work.SNAP E&T 50% Reimbursement: Provider Onboarding
The SNAP E&T program in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is a state funded, county operated, 50% reimbursement program that works with community-based organizations to deliver services. As the program has evolved, we have created a thorough onboarding training path for the CBOs we partner with. This includes a comprehensive onboarding guide which provides step-by-step information to assist our providers from day one, a per provider customized PowerPoint presentation which covers key points of the onboarding guide and process and training on the fiscal responsibilities for reimbursement. This session included sharing the step-by-step process onboarding guide, including the documents and resources that are utilized.- Advancing Equity
How to Work with Tribal Nations in Your State
This was a live-streamed session at the 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum. This panel session discussed protocols for scheduling meetings with tribal nations, conducting meetings with tribal citizens for tribal nations, tribal consultations, and documenting tribal consultation or outreach in the state plan. Each panelist comes with their unique perceptions and experience working with tribal nations. The panel consists of the Interim Superintendent from the Department of Education for the Laguna Pueblo, the Oklahoma State Liaison for Native Nations, a member of Choctaw Nation, the State of Arizona SNAP CAN Manager and two subject matter experts from the Southwest Regional Office.Making Data Meaningful to Advance Program Equity: Lessons Learned from Minnesota’s SNAP E&T DATA Grant Project
Minnesota SNAP E&T and Seattle Jobs Initiative have just completed a three-year DATA grant project to make program equity, quality and data improvements through applied research, assessment and collaborative design. This session shared lessons learned, pitfalls and successes from the DATA grant work, how attendees can begin their own equity advancement, data collection and/ or participant feedback journeys, and how three equity-focused projects were carried out in the final year of the project.Greater Impact Through Collaboration: Serving Individuals with Disabilities in SNAP E&T
Numerous public programs impact the lives of persons with disabilities in the United States. This panel discussion will focus on how SNAP and the AbilityOne Program can positively impact public administration and the disability community through collaboration. In this session, panelists offered perspectives from the federal government, a national provider network and a local E&T service provider. Each offered actionable ideas to better coordinate the activities of SNAP and the AbilityOne Program at a federal, state and local level, resulting in greater social and economic impact.Connecting Rural Communities: The Role of Community Action Agencies in SNAP E&T
This session explored the pivotal role of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in delivering equitable SNAP E&T services to rural communities. As a National Partnership Grantee funded by FNS, NCAP has empowered rural CAAs to navigate the SNAP E&T landscape and establish themselves as key partners with their state SNAP agencies. Attendees gained insight into the Community Action Network and heard directly from Lakes and Prairies Community Action Agency about their innovative approaches to serving local job seekers. This session highlighted how state SNAP agencies can leverage CAAs to expand and enhance SNAP E&T services in rural areas, ensuring that these communities receive the tailored support they need to thrive.- Program Policy, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Moving Forward to Improve SNAP E&T Data
This was a live-streamed session at the 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum. This session provided participants with an overview of the three-year long assessment of the SNAP E&T Data Reporting project. The project objectives included identifying and describing the current state and Federal systems that collect, validate and analyze E&T data; and assessing the current and future E&T data needs of national, regional and state staff. This project culminated with a recommendation report to improve SNAP E&T data collection, validation and reporting at the national, regional and state levels, including the recommendation for the development of the Data Analysis and Tracking Application for SNAP Employment and Training (DATASET). DATASET is a single Federal E&T data system to collect all reports and forms from state agencies, such as the E&T State Plan, E&T Program Activity Reports (FNS-583) and Annual Outcome Reports. Participants will learn more about the study, recommendation report, and FNS' implementation plan.SNAP E&T 101
This session was a brief overview of SNAP E&T history and policy basics. States have considerable flexibility in designing their SNAP E&T programs, including which participants to serve, which specific services to offer and who will provide the services. Attendees learned about the federal requirements and the flexibilities states have to design SNAP E&T programs that meet local workforce needs and the needs of SNAP participants in the state.The Fiscal Life Journey of the SNAP E&T Program
This session took attendees through the fiscal life journey of SNAP E&T programs from a fiscal perspective. Program staff and fiscal staff from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office discussed how they collaborate during E&T State Plan submissions, report monitoring and what FNS looks for in financial management reviews.Measuring What Matters: Making the Most of SNAP E&T Outcomes
In this session, attendees learned how SNAP state agencies can leverage reporting flexibility to help their SNAP E&T program shine through their data. By using varying levels of outcomes, from measuring improvements in soft skills to employment gains and credentials, state agencies have the opportunity to celebrate SNAP E&T participants’ accomplishments, big and small. Panelists included FNS, a SNAP state agency, and a SNAP E&T provider on how to use data to tell your program’s story and measure the quality of your program.Screenings Optimized: Four State Approaches to SNAP E&T Referrals
Many states have made significant progress developing best practices to comply with SNAP regulations for screening and referring participants to SNAP E&T by establishing efficient processes. This session featured a panel of voluntary, mandatory, county and State administered States sharing their challenges and solutions for screening and referring participants.Working Together to Serve Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
SNAP work registrants are subject to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents time limit and work requirement unless they meet an exception in federal law. ABAWDs can meet the ABAWD work requirement in several ways, including participation in SNAP E&T. FNS detailed the different ways that ABAWDs can meet the ABAWD work requirement and discuss how SNAP state agencies and providers can work together to support ABAWDs.Demystifying SNAP Student Eligibility
For low-income college students, the cost of basic needs like food can make it difficult to stay on track with school. Many college students may be eligible for SNAP to help with groceries, but a lack of awareness about the program and confusion about eligibility rules keep students from accessing benefits. In this session, FNS tackled the basics about student SNAP eligibility, building on guidance FNS released in 2023. This session covered what it means to be a student, what SNAP considers an institution of higher education and who needs to meet a student exemption to be eligible. FNS also discussed how states can screen for student eligibility, how the student rules intersect with SNAP work requirements and some of the most promising practices for using data to target SNAP outreach to likely eligible students.- Empowering the Voices of Clients and Customers
Implementing Executive Skills and Other Coaching Models to Improve Outcomes for Individuals with Low Incomes, Including SNAP E&T Participants
This was a live-streamed session at the 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum. This session will inspire and equip attendees to apply research on self-regulation and implementation science to improve programs like SNAP E&T and the lives of individuals with low incomes. Attendees learned about the foundational science of self-regulation, executive skills and goal pursuit in coaching participants to advance their economic mobility. While program leaders and staff are often trained in these areas, they struggle to implement these practices well. This session described and addressed common implementation challenges and strategies so that programs like SNAP E&T thrive.Empowering Client Voices
In this hands-on, interactive session, participants learned a case management strategy for helping clients feel more engaged and empowered to ask questions and participate in decisions that affect them. Participants in this session learned the strategy, examine applications in the field, learn facilitation techniques and guidelines and discuss how to apply client empowerment principles in their work.Participant Perspectives: Personal Journeys with More Than a Job NC
In this session, SNAP E&T participants, North Carolina partners and state staff shared their unique stories of how their roles have evolved into something more meaningful than just a job. This session offered a space for individuals to reflect on their personal journeys within the North Carolina workforce, highlighting the experiences that have shaped their careers and impacted their lives. Attendees gained insights into the diverse paths that professionals take and how personal values, challenges and successes intertwine with their work. Review this session to explore how careers can transcend job descriptions, becoming sources of purpose, growth and fulfillment.Reentry Realities: Food Security, Supports and a Path to Economic Stability
The Center for Employment Opportunities led an interactive session to increase understanding of participant experience in SNAP E&T, focused on understanding the employment and mobility barriers experienced by individuals returning from incarceration. This session intends to create a space for storytelling and sharing, while also providing suggested tactics agencies can use for engaging and understanding participant experience to improve their programs. In this interactive session, audience members engaged with different stages that simulate the experience of the immediate weeks following incarceration to meet employment-related needs, including obtaining identification, maintaining housing, applying for benefits and complying with supervision requirements, such as treatment and parole officer meetings. Session attendees heard directly from those with lived experience, allowing even the most experienced professionals to have renewed appreciation for the value and determination of E&T participants with legal system involvement.Partnerships with Advocates and Employers to Strengthen SNAP E&T Programs
This session highlighted partnerships between local anti-hunger advocates, employers and the state/county leaders responsible for designing and implementing effective SNAP E&T programs. The session featured speakers from Ohio and West Virginia. Ohio has been a mandatory E&T state that is transitioning to a voluntary E&T model in Fiscal Year 2025 after a collaborative, year-long process to evaluate and redesign SNAP E&T to better meet the needs of employers. By contrast, West Virginia is a voluntary E&T State with existing SNAP E&T partnerships with employers that have been supported and defended by anti-hunger advocates over the past year.Maximize Your Message: How to Use Focus Groups, User-Testing, Data Analytics and Real-Life Experience to Attract and Inform Participants
How do we explain our programs? What messages work? Which don’t? In this session, panelists shared real world examples of how they have developed community informed, human centered messaging to raise awareness and encourage enrollment in SNAP E&T. This will include national, regional and local initiatives. Panelists talked about how focus groups, user testing, data analytics and real-world experiences informed the way they design – and test – their communications to maximize impact and speak to the needs of participants. The panel also talked about opportunities for future engagements.- Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth
Transformative Impact: Community College and Human Service SNAP E&T Partnerships
This was a live-streamed session at the 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum. With a shared focus on propelling economic mobility and career pathways, community college and human service partnerships can have a transformative impact on people and communities. By expanding collaboration amongst community colleges, human services, and workforce partners to create robust SNAP E&T programs, states can braid resources and move from focusing on individual fixes to developing systemic solutions that boost college access and connection to careers that offer economic mobility. In this session, attendees will hear how states and community colleges can leverage SNAP access and SNAP E&T, and center lived expertise to reduce basic needs insecurity and close opportunity gaps. Review this session to gain tactical strategies you can replicate in your own communities and hear lessons learned from three national partners who have led or supported the development of SNAP E&T community college programs and intermediary models across multiple States.Panel Discussion: The Role of Philanthropy in SNAP E&T
This was a live-streamed session at the 2024 SNAP E&T National Forum. Philanthropy plays a critical and often undervalued role in the SNAP E&T program. Many SNAP E&T providers use philanthropy as a source of nonfederal match, yet very few state SNAP agencies partner with philanthropy leaders. Together, state SNAP agencies and philanthropy leaders can make more intentional and impactful investments in SNAP E&T programs nationwide. In this panel discussion, attendees gained insight from philanthropy leaders who support SNAP E&T programs. Attendees learned how philanthropy leaders view their role in the SNAP E&T program, how they make investments and what partnerships can look like.How College Consortia Can Elevate Your SNAP E&T Program
Community colleges are vital partners for strong SNAP E&T programs. However, college partnerships are unique and have their own distinct challenges. A college consortium, acting as an intermediary, can help states develop, build, and maintain these partnerships. This session looked at several models of college consortia and the advantages of each.Braiding and Leveraging Funds
This was a highly interactive session to gain deep insight into one method of braiding and leveraging funding with SNAP E&T 50/50 reimbursement. Attendees learned how to effectively manage the braiding funding process from private sources (e.g. philanthropy, social enterprise, etc.) for reimbursement and how to leverage funding from various Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Titles I-IV for strong return on investment in social impact and cover financial expense.SNAP E&T and Workforce Board Partnerships: Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
State and local Workforce Development Boards offer important strategic partnership opportunities for SNAP agencies and SNAP E&T programs by offering onramps to career pathway training, a pipeline to high-quality jobs with local employers and access to workforce services and funding that extend beyond the SNAP E&T program. This session focused on showcasing effective partnership models between State SNAP agencies and local Workforce Development Boards and program alignment case examples that highlight the opportunities which exist for local regions. The session offered the chance to hear from workforce boards that operate as both SNAP E&T intermediaries and service providers, state SNAP agency staff that oversee SNAP E&T/workforce partnerships and learn about important findings related to SNAP E&T/workforce board partnerships resulting from the National Association of Workforce Board’s National Partnership Grant.Registered Apprenticeship for SNAP E&T
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally recognized credential. In this session, attendees learned how to sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship program and/or participate as an apprentice and start building your career.
These presentations do not represent the views of USDA and do not provide official policy guidance.