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system.” • Recent meeting dates: 4/14/25 | 4/29/25 | 5/13/25 | 5/29/25 | 7/1/25 | 7/7/25 | 8/4/25 • DTA participants: Associate Commissioner of Employment and Training Programs, Assistant Director of Workforce Programs and Initiatives • DCS participants: Director of Policy and Program Administration • Other WIOA Partner participants: MassAbility, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) OTHER DTA’s Assistant Commissioner of Policy and Programs, Erin Quinn, is a WIOA State Plan Advisory Committee Member and on the WIOA Information Technology Support Center (ITSC) steering committee. She also serves on the Commonwealth Corporation and Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund boards. Links: MassHire State Workforce Development Board: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masshire-state-workforce-board NASWA’s Aligned Case Management Institute: https://www.naswa.org/witsc/aligned-case-management-institute Commonwealth Corporation: https://commcorp.org/ Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund: https://commcorp.org/workforce-competitiveness-trust-fund/ Describe the extent to which the State agency is carrying out SNAP E&T programs in coordination with title I programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a comprehensive array of services to meet the needs of employers and job seekers through a statewide workforce development system. Sixteen local MassHire Workforce Boards made up of business and community leaders oversee 29 MassHire Career Center (MHCC) and affiliate locations operating across Massachusetts. A comprehensive overview of the resources, services, and credentials available to Massachusetts job seekers through this system can be found in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Massachusetts Combined State Plan for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024 and in the MA Combined WIOA State Plan for July 1,2024 through June 30, 2028 (in review). To develop meaningful pathways to work and economic mobility for low-income, disabled and un/underemployed individuals/families, and ensure that DTA clients and families with significant challenges can access the workforce system with the support needed to attain and sustain employment, DTA partnered with the EOLWD and the MDCS to develop and implement the Work Participant Program (WPP) starting in FFY 2017. Through an ISA between DTA and MDCS, DTA funding is provided to career centers to supplement MHCC programming for DTA clients, including access to Title 1 funded trainings when appropriate. MOUs are in place at the local level to support an integrated, customer- focused service delivery system that is diverse, equitable and inclusive that meets the needs of priority populations as well as local businesses. The MOUs and joint partner guidance define referral procedures, services to be provided and collaborative planning expectations. DTA clients (both SNAP and TAFDC) can access WPP through a MHCC or through a referral from DTA. Potential SNAP participants may also initiate an enrollment via a WPP program listing on the SNAP Path to Work website by registering for MassHire JobQuest and either requesting contact from or reaching out to a MassHire representative or DTA SNAP E&T Specialist. Participating clients receive a career readiness assessment and work with a career counselor on an individualized Career Development plan, including the services and occupational training to be provided to meet the client’s career goals. Services may include job readiness activities, such as resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, virtual interviewing skills, job search techniques and developing a professional network or participation in employer recruitment events and self-directed job search. WPP participants may also have access to WIOA-funded training vouchers upon determination that they need further skills to enter or return to the workforce. Until FFY 2020, the WPP had not been financially supported by SNAP E&T funds. In FFY 2020, DTA began expanding the capacity and expectations for the MHCCs regarding serving SNAP-only clients, including ABAWDs, through SNAP E&T funds and the training of career center staff. This relationship allows eligible WPP customers to access SNAP E&T transportation and child care supports and simplifies the process of verifying ABAWD participation in qualifying activity through MHCC locations. DTA will continue to identify new opportunities to coordinate with and integrate services currently being provided by other Massachusetts partner agencies responsible for workforce development. To support this effort, DTA’s WIOA Coordinator will continue to provide oversight of the WPP ISA with MDCS, serve as a DTA Central Office liaison to the local MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and further develop and strengthen local partnerships. Links: 2020-2024 WIOA Massachusetts Combined State Plan: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/download-the-wioa-combined-state-plan 2024-2028 WIOA Massachusetts Combined State Plan: (in review): https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-workforce-agenda WPP program listing (on SNAP Path to Work website): https://snappathtowork.org/listing/work-participant-program-wpp-masshire-merrimack- valley-career-center-lawrence/ MassHire Job Quest: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-job-with-masshire-jobquest 1/29/26, 8:19 AM State Plan MA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-mafy26stateplan//index.html 15/167