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within the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) framework. The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning SNAP E&T with statewide workforce priorities and ensuring coordination between public and private sector stakeholders. 12/15/2024 Office of KY Workforce Innovation Board Alisher Burikhanov During the full Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board meeting, SNAP E&T was featured prominently as a strategic tool to advance workforce participation among underserved populations. Executive Director Burikhanov, along with other workforce leaders, engaged with local Workforce Development Boards to assess interest and readiness for pursuing 50/50 partnerships and to identify promising regions for expansion. 02/04/2025 Office of KY Workforce Innovation Board Alisher Burikhanov high-level meeting was convened between the Workforce Cabinet and the Department for Community- Based Services (DCBS), with Commissioners Yoder and Dennis in attendance, alongside Executive Director Burikhanov and Roger McCann from the DCBS team. A major outcome of this meeting was the introduction of the concept of formally adding the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) as a SNAP E&T 50/50 partner. Leadership also evaluated the adding Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) as a 50/50 funding model to better leverage federal reimbursements and expand service capacity. 02/26/2025 Office of KY Workforce Innovation Board Alisher Burikhanov A focused call was held involving leadership from KentuckianaWorks and EKCEP, with participation from Alisher Burikhanov and Roger McCann. The conversation built on previous discussions, exploring operational readiness, capacity needs, and partnership logistics for EKCEP's potential entry into the 50/50 program. The call further solidified EKCEP’s strategic 1/29/26, 8:20 AM State Plan KY FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-kyfy26stateplan//index.html 7/142