SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP)

What is STEP?

The STEP program helps SNAP eligible students gain skills and access training to increase their ability to gain employment. Students are provided with individual case management services focused on retention, helping each student to reach the critical point of graduation.

Together with their Case Manager, students develop a personalized success plan to help guide their education and career goals. These plans not only outline the student’s pathway to success, but also result in the student taking full advantage of PSU’s network of support services. Each month, students are assigned tasks that bring them closer to their individualized goals.

The STEP team understands that it is crucial to reach graduation in order to obtain gainful employment, and each student's case manager is determined to help them reach this goal.

STEP’s Mission Statement

The STEP program combats poverty and food scarcity on the PSU campus through an equitable framework while supporting students in obtaining gainful employment. SNAP eligible students are provided financial assistance and assigned a case manager that provides accountability coaching, resource connections, and creates pathways to degree obtainment.

Am I eligible for STEP?

STEP eligible students are:

1.) Currently receiving SNAP benefits;

2.) Currently enrolled;

3.) Attending as either an undergraduate or post-bac student.

If this describes you, please complete the Interest Form:

STEP Interest Form

Non-Discrimination and Funding Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

This product was funded by USDA.

PSU Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Our commitment to equity is integral to the STEP Program. Discrimination or harassment based on age, disability, national origin, race, color, marital status, veteran status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information or in the use of Worker's Compensation, Federal Family Medical Leave Act, or the Oregon Medical Leave Act is strictly prohibited by PSU Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment Policy and is unlawful.