BEST Program

Basic Education Skills Training Program (BEST)

The Basic Education and Skills Training Program (BEST) is a program designed specifically for recipients of Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Activities and courses are planned to meet the individual needs of eligible participants through assessment, mentorship, academic remediation, life skills training, and job readiness. The ultimate goal of BEST is to have the participants succeed in their employment goals and find suitable employment.

Meet the Staff & Contact Us

For questions call Alli Canfield at (405) 595-4315 or email allison.canfield@metrotech.edu.

Alli Canfield
BEST Coordinator

Lashae Tucker
BEST Trainer

Audrey Brown
BEST Admin. Assistant

Program Location

BEST is located at the Early Education Center North, formally known as Childcare Training Center at 3901 N. Martin Luther King Ave, OKC, 73111. The program operates every weekday except for federally approved holidays from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

What Education and Opportunities are Available through BEST?

Orientation to BEST and Metro Technology Centers

A Unique Career Pathway and Strategic Service Plan

A Technical Skills Certificate, designed by BEST staff for BEST clients. This certificate includes training in computer literacy, personal financial literacy, customer service, and personal communication and looks great on a resume.
Career training and academic support at one of the over twelve full-time program clusters or many various short-term courses held at Metro Technology Centers' campuses.
- Visit Programs - Metro Technology Centers to view what programs are available and their start dates.
- Long-term programs typically have an August start date and last 10 months.
- Short-term programs have rolling start dates and have various durations.
- ADA 504 accommodations are available to students with disabilities
Financial assistance is available for eligible students enrolling in long-term career technology courses as BEST participants.
BEST participants enrolled in short-term courses are eligible to have their course paid for by the BEST program when conditions are met.*

Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, and Work Based Learning

Job readiness preparation including resume, cover letter, and job search assistance

Referrals to outside partners

Who is eligible for BEST at Metro Technology Centers?

Any individual who is currently receiving TANF benefits meeting the criteria listed below, and

Any individual willing to commit 32 hours per week toward work-based learning at Metro Technology Centers in the BEST program.

Participants must be 17 years of age or older.

Participants do not have to reside in Oklahoma County.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

What is TANF?

Who is eligible for TANF?

Family households must first meet the basic eligibility criteria:

Biological, adoptive or other relative child(ren) under the age of 18 living in the home with deprivation of parental support due to absence, death, incapacity, or chronic unemployment of one or both biological parents.
Agree to cooperate in pursuing child support services against the parent who is absent from the home, unless good cause is established by Oklahoma Child Support Services.
Agree to cooperate with required drug screening and testing policies.
Agree to participate in an approved education and/or work training component for a minimum of 30 hours each week.
Meet all other income, household, resource eligibility factors as discussed in your face to face interview.

How to Apply for TANF

If you are active with DHS: Speak to your SNAP or Child-only DHS case worker about expanding your case to TANF. Your worker will help you understand if you are eligible for TANF assistance.

If you do not have a case with Oklahoma DHS: Apply for TANF at www.okdhslife.org. Using a computer instead of a cell phone is the most effective way to apply. Click “Apply for Benefits,” and create an account with DHS. After your account is created and you have completed the TANF application a TANF caseworker will contact you at the phone number you provided.

Academic assessment, TANF Orientation, and a vision screening are provided through DHS and partner sites and are required before joining a Work Prep program like BEST. These tasks will be assigned to you after speaking with a TANF in-take case worker.

After TANF orientation and assessments, you will have an opportunity to choose one of over 10 educational programs across the Oklahoma City metro! We are here to help you find your best fit!

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