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SUMMARY OF PROGRAM Provide the vision and mission of the State E&T program. In addition, describe how your State agency's E&T program meets the purpose of E&T which is to: Increase the ability of SNAP participants to obtain regular employment Meet State or local workforce needs Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (TN SNAP E&T) is a voluntary program that helps eligible participants achieve their vocational goals and increase self-sufficiency through funded education, skills training, and supportive services. TN SNAP E&T’s goal is to provide participants with the opportunity to acquire skills, training, work experience, and/or an industry-recognized credential that provides a direct link to a successful career. TN SNAP E&T also aims to ensure that participants have the necessary skills for successful job search and the vocational readiness needed to obtain regular employment. These goals support the program’s mission – to assist participants in finding a career that pays a self-sustaining wage – and vision – that Tennesseans receiving SNAP benefits achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. TN SNAP E&T services are a combined effort between the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), and community partners across the state. TDHS and TDLWD collaboratively administer SNAP E&T in all 95 TN counties through an Interagency Grant Agreement (IGA) and intermediary model that leverages public and private resources within TN’s workforce system. In Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026, United Way of Greater Nashville (UWGN) will serve as TN’s primary SNAP E&T intermediary partner under contract with TDLWD. Each SNAP E&T participant is assessed during their initial interview with a SNAP E&T Case Manager and an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP) is created. Based on the participant’s assessment and the career/employment goals established in the IEP, the SNAP E&T Case Manager will provide and/or refer the participant to supportive services to aid in the achievement of their goals. The participant may engage in multiple SNAP E&T components depending on their vocational/career goals. Participants who lack a high school diploma or equivalency are referred to local Adult Education (Title II) partners and encouraged to obtain this certification before (or concurrently while) taking the next steps into a career or technical training. Similarly, participants who lack soft skills, work readiness, or industry-recognized credentials (as requested by TN employers) are encouraged to seek training and/or complete activities that 1) have a direct link to employment, and 2) help build or strengthen skills which can ensure successful long-term employment. SNAP E&T Case Managers also refer participants to WIOA partners and/or SNAP E&T intermediary and third-party partners for supportive services that help participants grapple with the competing life priorities that can derail progress toward training and career attainment, (ex: transportation). TDHS has also integrated childcare services into the State’s SNAP E&T program by coordinating referrals to TN’s Child Care Payment Assistance program, helping participants and their children access opportunities that will increase their financial security, education and skills, social capital, and health and well-being. SNAP E&T participants who demonstrate sufficient vocational skills and/or obtain the necessary credentials for their vocational goals may continue receiving assistance via Job Search Training (JST) and, when employment has been obtained, Job Retention (JR). TDLWD’s Workforce Services Division provides oversight of these services (also referred to as Job Search Training and Employment Retention supports), which are offered through TN American Job Center staff (AJCs), SNAP E&T TPPs, and online via the Virtual One-Stop at jobs4tn.gov. 1/29/26, 10:22 AM State Plan TN FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-tnfy26stateplan//index.html 4/108