KEYS
What is KEYS?
The Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) Program is a collaboration program between the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. KEYS is a referral program available to individuals who are receiving either TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits and are enrolled or intend to enroll at Luzerne County Community College OR who need their high school equivalency (GED).
The KEYS program can provide academic, personal and career support services to participants throughout their educational journey. TANF students enrolled in KEYS can count class and study time as their work activity hourly requirements set forth by the county assistance office.
The KEYS Program can provide basic needs support services for students while enrolled at the community college. Students see additional benefits through KEYS as they build relationships with program facilitators and peers, are connected to resources in the college and community, and break barriers and cycles of poverty.
KEYS works by building relationships, connecting students and breaking down barriers!
New students can ask for more information about the KEYS program by submitting a request (HERE). A staff member will either call or email you within two (2) business days of receiving your inquiry.
Eligibility*
You may be eligible* for the KEYS program if you:- Are a student receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits (Cash Assistance); OR
- Are a student receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (Food Stamps; AND
- Want additional training and education to obtain employment
KEYS Support Services
Support Services are available for KEYS students to minimize barriers and allow them to attend classes regularly, study and complete assignments to achieve academic progress and success.Based upon eligibility determined by the County Assistance Office (CAO), assistance is available to request supportive services, such as:
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Mileage
- Payment for Public Transportation
- Motor vehicle operator fees (TANF only)
- Motor vehicle repair costs
- Textbooks
- Education & training fees
Additional Support Services Include:
- College and Community resource information
- Academic Support
- Peer Support
- Career Counseling
- Tutoring
- On-Site Food Pantry
- Personal Hygiene & Laundry Bundles upon request
- Laptop Loan Program
How to Enroll in KEYS
Any student who meets eligibility criteria (TANF or SNAP) and is interested in a referral to the KEYS program should contact the KEYS office at (570) 740-0406 or 1-800-377-5222 (ext. 7406) or stop in the office to make an appointment in Building 9, suite 904.
Interested students must complete a Reverse Referral Form and return it to the KEYS office for program consideration.
Your local county assistance office makes all KEYS referral determinations for eligible TANF or SNAP students. Upon receipt of the referral, the KEYS office will contact students to complete the enrollment and orientation process.
FORMS
All fillable forms once completed must be downloaded to your computer and emailed to your case manager as an attachment.keys@luzerne.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; OR
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.