Career Boost

Integrating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment & Training Program (STEP) with the WorkSource Portland Metro System

Supported nearly

5,000

5,000

SNAP recipients since 2016

$7.9

$7.9

million generated to support regional workforce efforts 

Career Boost Leverages ResourcesReinvests in CommunityExpands Opportunities

Career Boost Leverages Resources, Reinvests in Community, and Expands Opportunities

Career Boost leverages local investments to expand services for SNAP recipients, improving job readiness, securing living-wage employment, and connecting them to career pathways. Through the STEP program, every non-federal dollar invested generates a 50% federal match, increasing community funding.

Since 2016, Career Boost has brought $7.9 million in SNAP reinvestment funds to our local workforce system. By leveraging state, local, and private resources alongside federal matching funds from the USDA, we have expanded programs that strengthen our regional workforce and connected more people to career opportunities.

How It Works

Career Boost provides supplemental services tailored to help SNAP recipients succeed in workforce development programs, including:

  • Career Coaching and Job Search Training: One-on-one or group career assistance to develop career plans. Services include skill assessment, training, and securing basic employment readiness skills.

  • Training Scholarships: Funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) or vocational training to help participants gain the skills and knowledge needed for further education or careers in high-demand fields.

  • Registered Pre-Apprenticeship: Programs that equip participants with foundational skills for apprenticeships, designed to determine trade suitability and improve acceptance chances into a Registered Apprenticeship.

key results

From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the Career Boost network:

Served

1,181

SNAP recipients

Generated

$2,106,166

in additional revenue to support system-wide workforce efforts

Current Programs

Career Boost funds provided supplemental resources for SNAP recipients in the following programs:

Economic Opportunity Program 
NextGen

Clean Energy programs through the Portland Clean Energy Fund

Community Construction Training Program 
WorkSource Portland Metro 

Thank you SNAP Partners!