Interview with Andrew Schramm

Andrew Schramm was the program manager for Iowa's Food Assistance Employment & Training program for Kirkwood Community College in Iowa during his participation in the SNAP E&T Learning Academy. Andrew worked to bridge the program’s administration between the Iowa Department of Human Services and member colleges, and supported member colleges’ frontline staff. He chose to participate in the Learning Academy to learn strategies for expanding Iowa’s E&T program beyond community college technical training programs.

Describe your experience in the Learning Academy. What were your biggest takeaways? What sessions or experiences impacted you the most?

My biggest takeaway from the Academy is that we are all, collectively, still learning, have a lot yet to learn, and are still doing great work for the SNAP recipients in our programs. All states operate their E&T programs in different ways, so by thinking outside the framework of Iowa’s program I was able to consider the full extent of possibilities our E&T program may take in the future. Sessions on planning and referral networks were beneficial to expanding my thinking and having the opportunity to present and receive feedback on a months-long project from FNS and SJI staff and my Academy colleagues was valuable to thinking critically about my work.

In your specific role, how did the Learning Academy support you in building your skills and having an impact on SNAP E&T?

The Academy helped me build my skills in two ways: giving the space and support for critical reflection on Iowa’s current program and expanding my knowledge base and colleague network for the future of the program. I am applying what I learned in the Academy to provide a better service to our program partners who, in turn, provide a better service to participants. Also, I’ve been able to use my knowledge of and connections to other states’ programs to consider new avenues for Iowa’s program.

This interview took place in October 2017.