STEP

Start your pathway to opportunity, with support every STEP of the way.

What is STEP?

The SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP) connects CGCC students with coaching and support as they work toward the career they want.

STEP can help cover:

  • Gas and car maintenance
  • Phone and internet
  • Utilities
  • Testing fees and program supplies

Additional support may be available depending on your situation.

Beyond Financial Support

Our STEP Specialist also provides:

  • One-on-one coaching and goal setting
  • Budget building and financial planning
  • Connecting you to additional campus and community resources
  • Navigating challenges that come up during your time at CGCC

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's what STEP looks for:

  • Enrolled in (or working toward) a CTE program at CGCC
  • An Oregon resident
  • Currently receiving Oregon SNAP benefits
  • Not currently receiving TANF
  • Enrolled in at least 6 credits (half-time)
  • In good academic standing (SAP)

Reach out to the STEP Specialist, Luis Preciado, at lpreciado@cgcc.edu. Se habla español. 

SNAP eligibility has two pieces: income, and (for most students) one more qualifying factor.

Income

If your income falls under Oregon's guidelines, you may qualify. The exact amount depends on household size. See current guidelines and other ways to qualify at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.

If you're enrolled less than half-time, or you're 50 or older, income is the only thing that matters. You can skip the section below.

One qualifying factor

If you're enrolled more than half-time, you'll also need to meet at least one of these:

  • Can explain how your education connects to a specific job you want
  • Doing work-study during the school year
  • Working (or self-employed) about 20 hours a week
  • Unable to work due to a health condition
  • Caring for a child (age limits apply)
  • Enrolled in a WIOA-approved training program

You only need to meet one of these, not all of them.

  • Apply at one.oregon.gov, or call 1-800-699-9075 for help with the application
  • A caseworker will call you to do a phone interview
  • Have these ready: ID, Social Security numbers for your household, proof of income from the last 30 days, and (if applicable) immigration status documents

Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are degrees and certificates focused on hands-on training for a specific career path, rather than a general transfer degree.

  • Accounting
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Construction
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electro-Mechanical Technology
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Entrepreneurship / Business Management
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nursing
  • Office Administration

Don't see your program listed? You may still qualify! Reach out to our STEP Specialist.

Funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).

Your STEP Specialist

Luis Preciado - Se habla español

STEP Specialist
Schedule an appointment
Contact Info
(541) 506-6248
lpreciado@cgcc.edu