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CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION WITH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM State agencies must design the E&T program in consultation with the State workforce development board and operate the E&T program through the statewide workforce development system (7 CFR 273.7(c)(5)). The goal of this section is to explain the relationship between the State agency and other organizations it plans to consult and coordinate with for the provision of services, including organizations in the statewide workforce development system. The statewide workforce development system refers to a network of providers, which may include government and the public sector; community-based organizations and non-profits; employers and industry; occupational training providers; and post-secondary institutions, such as community colleges. Please note the State workforce development board is an entity that establishes Regional strategic plans and sets funding priorities for their area. They are distinct from State workforce agencies. Consultation Consultation with the workforce development system generally includes discussions to learn about services provided in the community and how each organization functions and coordinates with others in the community. State agencies can demonstrate they consulted with their State workforce development board by noting the dates of conversations, who they spoke with, what they spoke about, and how they incorporated this information into the design of their E&T program. Did the State agency consult the State workforce development board? Yes No Did the State agency consult with private employers or employer organizations in lieu of the workforce development board? Yes No Describe consultation with employers. Include with whom the State agency consulted and the outcomes of the consultation. Date Employer Name Title(s) of Person Consulted Outcome of Consultation 10/24/2024 SunLife Health Human Resources Representative These consultations resulted in understanding high-growth fields and new credential opportunities to guide the onboarding of new providers, such as Community Colleges and Tribal-serving organizations. Hearing how employer industries impact their local area resulted in an increased effort to onboard providers in rural 1/27/26, 9:53 AM State Plan AZ FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-azfy26stateplan//index.html 6/130