Career Readiness Programs

No, it is free to enroll in STEP. However, there are costs associated with enrollment at LBCC. Your STEP Coach with work with you to navigate potential funding sources. 

No. You must still apply for admission to LBCC and register for classes.

Yes. There are many classes are offered virtually or online. Additionally, you have access to public transportation, and STEP participants have access to assistance for transportation for training and education-related purposes.

Yes. The STEP Program can assist you with the cost of a GED and English language classes and testing. To find orientation dates for GED, Spanish GED, and ELA classes, review these upcoming orientation dates. STEP Coaches can assist you with short term training as you prepare to enter your college-level program of study.

You can use LBCC's Career Coach assessment tool for guidance. Additionally, Navigators in LBCC's First Resort Office can assist you with determining areas of focus.

Databases like Quality Info and the Occupational Outlook Handbook use data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Oregon Employment Department to provide the latest information about jobs that might interest you before you apply. Once you select an occupation, you can read about what career professionals do on the job, how to become qualified, and what the growth potential and wage range for that job is in your area.

The STEP Program can assist you with the cost of up to 12 credits per year. The program can also assist with costs associated with books and supplies, specific program needs, and transportation assistance.

Start here: complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the application for Pell Grants, federal student loans, the Oregon Opportunity, and Oregon Promise grants. Additionally, many scholarship application require that you have a FAFSA completed. 
Start Your FAFSA.

WIOA Scholarship: Community Services Consortium’s vocational scholarship offers up to $3000 for short-term training programs in Linn and Benton counties. This scholarship is funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 
Learn more and apply for the CSC WIOA Scholarship.

LBCC Scholarships and Grants: Need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants are available from LBCC. Some are program-specific, some are based on the level of need of the student, or both. 
Learn more and apply for LBCC Scholarships.

Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) scholarships: You may qualify for many scholarships offered within the state of Oregon, based on where you went to high school, where your parents worked, your household composition, your major, your interests, and many other categories. Fill out one application to apply for hundreds of scholarships through this database.
Learn more and apply for Oregon Scholarships and Grants.

Scholarships for Immigrant Students: World Education Services provides a scholarship-finding tool that searches databases for scholarships based on your home country.
Find World Education Scholarships.

Additional Scholarships: FastWeb is a database of scholarships from private and public organizations, employers, individuals, and non-profits from all over the US. There are thousands of scholarships available, some with unique application processes (making a video that shows how to fix something, writing an essay that describes your love of coffee, even answering quiz questions about geography and movies). Create a profile to see what scholarships you might be able to receive.
View FastWeb’s database of scholarships.

If you are not eligible for federal financial aid, you may still be eligible to file the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) for college funding. By filling out the ORSAA Questionnaire, you can find out which financial aid application you should file and steps you can take to become eligible.
Learn more and fill out the ORSAA Questionnaire.

Were you educated outside of the United States? Use these tools from World Education Services to find out how your credentials compare in the US.
Use these Degree and GPA Equivalency Tools.

Upwardly Global helps work-authorized immigrants, refugees, asylees, and Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs) restart their professional careers in the United States. Register to get access to resources for licensure, job search and more.
Learn more about Upwardly Global.

STEP can assist with the cost of GED and English language classes and testing.
Find an upcoming orientation date for GED, Spanish GED, and ELA classes.

STEP offers assistance with building a resume and preparing materials for job applications. Most jobs require an online application, resume, and cover letter. Your coach can also help prepare you for interviews. 

Yes. Complete or update an iMatchSkills profile. Also register for the National Career readiness Certificate (NCRC).

iMatchSkills matches current, local job openings to the profile you create so that you can find job listings that correspond to your skills, experience, and interest. An iMatchSkills account is the first step to enrolling in STEP, as well as registering for workshops for job seekers (including the NCRC) at your local Worksource Oregon office. 

If you already have an account, log in with your username and password and make sure that your information is current. If not, click on “Create an Account” and follow the instructions. Once you have created a profile and logged in, you can study for the NCRC by clicking the link that says “Work-Related Skills Review” under the Resources and Services heading.

Visit the iMatchSkills Register/Login page to get started.

Yes! The Roadrunner Resource Center is a one stop shop to help find local basic needs resources. 

You can also meet with the LBCC Roadrunner Resource Center to find ways to afford:

• Childcare
• Groceries
• Rent
• Healthcare
• Utilities

For more information, email resources@linnbenton.edu.

Dial 211 on your phone or visit 211Info.
Access the 211 Resource Search Engine.

The Community Services Consortium has compiled a Resource Guide listing local organizations that provide support in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.
View the complete guide CSC Resource Guide.

Don’t hesitate to contact your STEP Coach for referrals.

For information about placement testing, including hours, how to schedule your test, and sample test questions, review this Placement Testing information.