About the Keys Program

KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success) is a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) program designed to help TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps) recipients succeed in community college.

If you are a CCAC student who receives TANF or SNAP benefits, you may qualify to participate in the KEYS program at CCAC.

To learn about, apply for, or renew human services benefits (including TANF and SNAP) online, visit the Pennsylvania Compass website.

To learn more about KEYS, please see our brochure.

 

Benefits

KEYS Student Support Specialists will work with you and the County Assistance Office (CAO) to see if you may be eligible for help with:

  • Child care funds*
  • Transportation costs (bus passes, mileage and repairs)*
  • Books and school or training supplies*

KEYS Student Support Specialists will also connect you to:

  • FREE CCAC support services, including counseling, academic support, tutoring and career counseling
  • Other community service agencies
  • And more—depending on federal/state regulations and funding

*Eligibility is determined by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) guidelines

Participation Requirements

The requirements to participate in the KEYS Program are:

  • Attend scheduled appointments with your Student Support Specialist
  • Meet hours requirements (as determined by DHS)
  • Complete orientation forms, assessments, special allowance requests and other required documentation in a timely manner

Application & Enrollment

Current or prospective CCAC students who are receiving TANF or SNAP benefits (or think they may be eligible) should contact the KEYS Coordinator at 412.237.2672 or keys@ccac.edu.

If you are currently receiving TANF or SNAP, you may also contact your CAO caseworker about a referral to KEYS.

Schedule an Appointment With Us

To access Navigate via mobile device, download "Navigate Student" through Google Play or AppStore, search for "CCAC,” and enter your username and password (same as my.ccac.edu). 

To access Navigate via desktop, log in here.

New to Navigate? To get started, visit the EAB Navigate Guide for Students in the Help Center.

Navigate LoginNavigate Guide

 

Keys Program Contact

Toni Ferrante Niner

Karen Jack 

Barbara Kaleugher, MSIL