Colorado Employment First

Colorado Employment First increases employment for food stamp participants through support, referrals, accountability, and community work. Employment First is a federally mandated program designed to ensure that all able-bodied food stamp participants are engaged in activities that will improve their employability. The program is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services, and currently operates in 45 Colorado counties.

All individuals who apply for food stamps in Colorado and who do not meet federal exemption criteria must participate in Employment First activities. These activities include: workfare, adult basic education, GED preparation, literacy, college, vocational training, vocational rehabilitation, job search classes, and part-time work.

As a result of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act of 1996, participants who are identified as "able-bodied adults without dependents" must complete 20 hours each week in a work, workfare, or education activity in order to receive more than three months of food stamps in a 36-month period.

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