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This article examines a major change in welfare reform enacted by the United States (US) federal government in 1996 and the implications for community college educators and their role in facilitating transition from welfare to work. The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) legislation was enacted in August 1996 and exemplifies the government's policy of devolution of primary authority for the design and delivery of supports and services to states and communities. States are being encouraged to reduce the number of people receiving financial support and shift them into employment. Community colleges have historically played a major role in providing the training welfare recipients need to enable their transition to work. The author examines TANF to explore the impact on rural community colleges as providers of workforce development for welfare recipients. Rural institutions face added challenges such as child care provision and transportation. The article poses the question of whether community colleges and welfare recipients are being asked to accomplish unrealistic outcomes in light of the demands of the new policy. Show less