Employment Strategies Used in TANF’s 30-year History

In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State and Tribal Technical Assistance and Resources (STAR) developed a series of infographics exploring employment strategies tested by TANF programs. The infographics highlight four strategies: responding to barriers to employment, transitional jobs and subsidized employment, work-based learning, and career pathways.

Each infographic explains why TANF programs have explored these strategies, how they work, key lessons learned, and provides implementation examples. The series also offers insights into the future of each strategy, helping TANF practitioners understand how these approaches can support participants in overcoming employment barriers, gaining work experience, and building pathways to long-term employment. These resources provide practical information and lessons that practitioners can use to inform program design and strengthen employment services for families.