Grant Purpose

The purpose of the 2023-26 I-BEST Development and Expansion Allocation is to increase I-BEST enrollments system-wide by 120 full-time equivalent students (FTES) annually over the next three years (3-yr. total 360 FTES) through development, implementation, and expansion of new and existing Professional Technical, Professional Technical Expansion, and Academic I-BEST programs in Washington State Community and Technical College System.

SBCTC will award funding annually for all three years of the funding cycle (FY24 through FY26) to selected colleges.

Grant funds may be used for:

  • The development, implementation, and scaling of new and existing Professional Technical, Professional Technical Expansion, and Academic I-BEST programs in Washington State Community and Technical College System.
  • Increasing access to I-BEST programming for underrepresented populations in high-demand occupations or academic transfer degree pathways.
  • Team teaching training and faculty planning and development.
  • Development of integrated/contextualized basic skills and content area outcomes.
  • Recruitment and navigational support to students.
  • Faculty salary and benefits.
  • Activities related to research, data collection, and effective educational practice that include diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

Additional requirements are detailed in the grant guidelines below.

Accurate course coding is crucial to the success of I-BEST and for colleges to receive the enhanced FTE funding that comes with I-BEST programming. In conjunction with program planning, please consult the https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/data-services/data-warehouse/sbctc-student-and-course-coding-manual.pdf

When submitting an I-BEST application, refer to the Workforce Education Professional-Technical Programs for approved program names and CIP codes.

Contact

Nicole Hopkins
Policy Associate
nhopkins@sbctc.edu 
360-704-4368

2023-26

Important Dates

Milestones Key Dates
Application available

April 20, 2023

Application deadline June 1, 2023
Allocations begin July 1, 2023
Interim Reports Due July 31, 2024 , 2025
Final Report Due July 31, 2026

Grant Guidelines and Resources