SkillUP Program

SkillUP Program

What is the SkillUP Program?

Andrea Thurman
660.223.0465
athurman@capnemo.org

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SkillUP is a free program that helps SNAP (Food Stamp) recipients get help with skills, training, and employer connections to get a job (or a better job). A SkillUP job coach will work with you to create an individual plan to help you reach your goals and start a new career. The SkillUP program can also help you:

  • Pay for short-term training and certifications
  • Create or update your resume
  • Decide on your goals and a career pathway
  • Get real work experience
  • Connect you with employers
  • Connect with resources such as childcare and housing assistance
  • Buy clothing, books, supplies, or tools required for a training or a job
  • Pay for minor car repairs to help you get to training or work

The SkillUP Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).  The program is also funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant.

How do I get started?

SkillUP is offered free of cost through a number of agencies across Missouri. Find a provider near you to get started today!

SNAP Work Requirements

If you are a SNAP participant who is able to work, you may be required to send the Family Support Division (FSD) proof that you are completing at least 80 hours of employment and/or training activities monthly. Hours can also be met through participation in the SkillUP Program. You could be exempt from the work requirement if you:

  • Have a dependent in your household under age 18
  • Are under age 18 or over age 59
  • Already work 30 or more hours per week
  • Do not work because of a physical or mental health reason
  • Participate with work requirements for TA
  • Take care of a child under age 6 or someone who needs help caring for themselves
  • Receive unemployment benefits, or applied for them
  • Participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program
  • Go to school, college, or training program for at least half-time
  • Are homeless
  • Are Pregnant
  • Have circumstances that are beyond your control and require you to stay home
  • Are age 24 or under and aged out of foster care at age 18 or older (any state, district, territory, or tribal organization applies)
  • Served in any branch of the US Armed Forces, including Reserves/Guard, regardless of the conditions of discharge or release.



Kyle Hudson: A New Start

Kyle Hudson relocated to Cape Girardeau for a fresh start, working as a security officer at the local casino. Shortly after his hire, the casino was sold, and the new company restructured job duties, leaving Kyle jobless.

While he managed to live off his savings for a short time, Kyle eventually applied for SNAP benefits and when faced with the realization that he would not be able to pay rent, began looking to move again.

Kyle decided to visit the Cape Girardeau Job Center. Because he had applied for SNAP benefits, Kyle found out he was eligible for the SkillUP Program administered by the Southeast Workforce Development Board. Through SkillUP, he created a resume and applied for several jobs. Because he did not have internet service at home, his case manager, Dawnya, checked MOJobs regularly to let him know about openings.

It wasn’t long before Dawnya helped Kyle get a job with the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Hazelwood, Missouri. He relocated to Hazelwood and was thrilled to make a higher wage than his previous job at the casino.

When asked about his experience with SkillUP, Kyle said: “I believe Dawyna did a great job in being supportive. Dawyna always answered every question I had and if she didn’t have an answer, she helped me figure it out.”

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