Financial support.
These programs can support you financially depending on your eligibility status. Before applying, understand there is no guarantee that you'll be offered in the program.
WorkSource Lane
Lane county residents can apply with WorkSource Lane. Workforce Services offers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) scholarships for reimbursement of up to $5,000. Along with this, there are possible support funds, including textbook material and school supplies. Unlike SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP), which pays the school directly, the WIOA scholarship pays the awardee. This is called a reimbursement scholarship. Workforce Services begins to cut checks when the student produces an invoice or list of fees from the school.
You must be registered with WorkSource Oregon to qualify. Need a letter of acceptance? Call (541) 686-7985 or (541) 686-7601.
WIOA scholarship 2022 — TBA
Trade Adjustment Assistance Program
The TAA program helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade. The TAA program offers a variety of benefits and services to eligible workers. Need a letter of acceptance? Call 1-877-US-2JOBS or 1-877-872-5627.
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
For prospective students in the Bend area, COIC may have training funding available to help you pay for the class. To be eligible the student must be over 18 years old or above, an Oregon resident, and either unemployed, dislocated worker, receiving or exhausted UI. In order to apply individuals must fill out a scholarship application, which will be sent to a review committee. Need a letter of acceptance? Call (541) 699-8058.
Vocational Rehabilitation
VR is a statewide resource for people with disabilities and is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. We assist individuals with disabilities in getting and keeping a job that matches their skills, interests and abilities. VR staff works in partnership with the community and businesses to develop employment opportunities for people with disabilities. VR is a state and federally sponsored program which assists people with all types of disabilities, with the exception of Blindness or Deaf-Blindness, in all areas of the state. The VR process has time commitments and constraints. For folks interested in becoming a participant, you will be scheduled with a vocational rehabilitation counselor for an initial meeting and signing of an application with VR. After the application is signed, VR has 60 days to determine if you are eligible for services. Eligibility determination will be based upon disability-related function loss that requires VR to provide supports and services that will ameliorate disability-specific barriers to employment for the participant. If you are eligible for services, VR will work with you over 90 days to develop a plan to support a feasible job goal. This means that there may be at least 150 days between applying for services, and if determined eligible, to be put into a plan toward employment. The support for training or a career in this field is not guaranteed upon determination of eligibility. VR offices are operating remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Need a letter of acceptance? Call (541) 686-2450 for Eugene services.
SNAP Employment and Training Program (STEP)
STEP is the state's employment and training program for individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP). The STEP program helps people who are receiving SNAP benefits get access to education and training at no cost. STEP services are available across the state, through a variety of community partners.
Contact your local ODHS Self-Sufficiency office and ask to speak with a SNAP Eligibility and Training (E&T) Navigator. Need a letter of acceptance?
Affirm
Apply for a loan through Affirm for low monthly payments. Need a letter of acceptance?