What began in 1999 as an effort to make additional work-study resources available to TANF (Transitional Assistance for Needy Families)/KTAP students in the community and technical colleges has evolved into a statewide network. The network comprises a system-wide coordinator, 20 full-time TANF-funded Ready-to-Work (RTW) coordinators serving 16 KCTCS colleges throughout Kentucky. These coordinators provide and/or facilitate a comprehensive network of support services including recruitment, assessment and retention strategies, tutoring, case management, mentoring, career counseling, job development, placement and post-placement services. They also assist the RTW participants to access all supportive services (such as transportation and child care) and resources available through KCHFS and other agencies. They serve as liaisons between and among the student, the campus system and the KCHFS/DCBS (Department for Community Based Services) local office system and case managers.

The provision of work-study opportunities remains a major focus of Ready-to-Work. Each RTW work-study student can earn up to $2,500 per year that does not reduce her/his KTAP check. The placement of work-study students with both private and non-profit employers helps prepare them for the workplace. It is a "win-win" situation for everyone involved. The student gains work experience and job retention skills as well as extra income while employers have an opportunity to recruit and to hire KCTCS/RTW students and graduates.

Ready-to-Work continues to experience success in its efforts to help KTAP recipients to achieve academic success and self-sufficiency as they gain the training and education necessary to compete in today's job market. From the spring of 1999 to the spring of 2006, the number of RTW students served has increased by 305% and the number of RTW work-study students by 661%. Through continued recruitment and retention efforts by the RTW coordinators in partnership with KCHFS local offices and KTAP case managers, 2031 low-income parents were served (in FY05-06) through the RTW program. That is an increase of 291% in the number of KTAP recipients enrolled in KCTCS colleges since the inception of the program. The students not only enroll in college, but they stay in college with a semester-to-semester retention rate of 81% and an average GPA of 2.70 during the spring 2006 school semester.

In 2003, Ready-to-Work was expanded to include KTAP recipients who did not have a high school diploma but wished to earn a General Education Diploma (GED) in order to transition into a college. This expansion, called Work and Learn, also include KTAP recipients who already had a high school diploma or GED but needed academic remediation before attending college. The same services given to Ready-to-Work students were also given to Work and Learn students (including work-study). During FY '06, 493 students were served in Work and Learn and 303 of those particpated in work-study.