Next Step equips students with skills, experiences, and practices needed to advance their careers and wages.

About Next Step

Next Step Training and Education was founded in 2001 with total funding from the local Department of Social Services (DSS). Clients who receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and foster youth are referred to Next Step to earn marketable skills and degrees that lead to gainful employment.

Next Steps receives approved applications from DSS and welcomes new applicants to orientation sessions held at the College's main campus. Students are required to complete four additional enrollment steps after orientation:

  1. Complete two online career assessments
  2. Schedule case management meetings with the transition navigator
  3. Participate in group sessions
  4. Create an Individual Development Plan

New applicants who complete these steps will be eligible to participate in NSTEP and receive financial assistance with tuition payments, books, transportation, and other services, as approved. 

Who is Eligible?

  • Current and former TCA recipients
  • TCA dependents
  • Current and former youth in foster care
  • Homeless youth in transitional housing

Requirements

  • Outline academic, career, financial, and wellness goals through an Individual Development Plan.
  • Enroll in appropriate certificate, credit, or non-credit programs or GED courses.
  • Complete academic and career development, financial planning, family well-being, health workshops, and planned activities.
  • Actively pursue employment related to career goals (adults).
  • Engage in service learning and employment related to career goals (ages 13-17).
  • Work directly with staff members to ensure success in achieving goals.

How to Apply

Complete the fillable application below.

Apply Now >

Contact Information

We're available to help and answer your questions.

Phone: 301-546-1580 | Email: nextstep@pgcc.edu