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EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT: INTEGRATED EDUCATION AND TRAINING / BRIDGE PROGRAMS Description of the component. Provide a summary of the activities and services. Programs that provide activities concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or group of occupations for the purpose of educational and career advancement. IET/Bridge programs are designed to build the foundational skills of people whose academic abilities do not meet the minimum requirements of a traditional post-secondary degree or certificate program. IET/Bridge programming provides enhanced support and programming for people through contextualized foundational instruction. – building the competencies necessary for work and education alongside career and supportive services. Bridge programs contextualize programming to specific industry sectors and have established relationships with partners (occupational skills training, education, and/or specific sector employment) who inform program design and serve as the primary “next step” destination for program participants. This integration supports individuals learning basic education skills that complement other occupation‐ specific hard skills, supporting individuals to succeed in the training program and subsequently employment. Indicate the Target Population this component will serve. Select all that apply. ABAWDs Homeless Returning citizens (aka: ex-offenders) Single parents Students Those that reside in rural areas Underemployed Veterans Describe the criteria for participation. Include the skills, knowledge, or experience necessary for participation in the component. For example, literacy or numeracy levels, recent labor market attachment, computer literacy, etc. A participant that is in need of education/training to advance toward employment, and able to follow an individualized education plan that aligns with their employment goals. 1/29/26, 8:17 AM State Plan NC FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-ncfy26stateplan//index.html 66/218