FAQ Topics
These sections organize common questions by topic.
Eligibility
Learn who may qualify for Bridge to Hope and what basic participation requirements apply.
What Is Bridge to Hope?
Learn what BTH does, how it supports education, and how it works with First-to-Work.
Work Hours
Learn how many work hours may be required and how education hours may be counted.
TANF / First-to-Work
Review general TANF and First-to-Work questions connected to education and participation.
BTH Jobs and Work Hours
Learn about campus jobs, employment requirements, and work-hour expectations.
General Information
General Questions
What is Bridge to Hope? What does BTH offer?
Bridge to Hope is a partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Human Services’ First-to-Work program.
Bridge to Hope offers on-campus student employment for full-time enrolled students who have a First-to-Work employment requirement.
BTH also connects students with support services to help welfare-recipient students succeed in reaching their educational goals. Bridge to Hope is available at University of Hawaiʻi campuses statewide.
What is BTH’s relationship with First-to-Work?
Bridge to Hope is a University of Hawaiʻi program that serves students participating in First-to-Work. Participation in BTH is voluntary and is intended to help students meet FTW employment requirements while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.
Both FTW and BTH are bound by confidentiality requirements and may only share information when permission is specifically granted by the student or client.
Bridge to Hope staff are University educators, while First-to-Work staff are welfare case managers. These systems work together to support college education as a pathway toward economic self-sufficiency.
Is your question not listed?
Call (808) 956-9313 or email bth@hawaii.edu. You may also contact the Bridge to Hope contact at your campus.
Acronyms
- BTH: Bridge to Hope, a University of Hawaiʻi program for TANF and First-to-Work participating students.
- TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the federally funded program also known as welfare.
- FTW: First-to-Work, Hawaiʻi’s program responsible for the work component of TANF.
- DHS: Hawaiʻi State Department of Human Services.
- UFUE: Up Front Universal Engagement.
Disclaimer
These pages are intended to provide general information and answer basic questions about the University of Hawaiʻi Bridge to Hope program and the First-to-Work Education Policy.
Only First-to-Work can make final determinations or officially interpret its program policies. It is always a good idea to stay in communication with your case manager.
Need More Help?
Contact Bridge to Hope or find your campus representative for more support.
Follow Bridge to Hope
Stay connected with Bridge to Hope updates, student stories, and program information.
Derek Galanto
2600 Campus Road | Honolulu, HI 96822 | QLCSS 211
(808) 956-9313 | bth@hawaii.edu
Last Modified: June 2026