Provides educational counseling for adults seeking vocational training or higher education necessary for their employment goals. Common services include: - assistance with financial aid applications, - college applications, - career advising, - finding the right college, - college loan default advocacy, and - help with registration fees. Service is offered at many locations across Tacoma and Pierce County, including Clover Park Technical College, Pierce College, Bates Technical College,Tacoma Community College and MDC.

Provides GED preparation classes, materials, and assists with testing fees to those who are eligible. Qualified applicants receive free: - GED preparation material (up to $150) - GED Academy/Online study resources ($189) - Individualized instruction and testing preparation - Personal and Career Development Coaching - Qualify for Training/College enrollment scholarships up to ($500)

OCCAC is leading the effort to reduce and prevent homelessness for youth and young adults through five priority service areas: - Stable Housing: Provides immediate access to low-barrier shelter, rental assistance, eviction prevention, rental deposit, motel vouchers, etc. to create a sustainable solution and avert cycles of recurring homelessness. - Family Reconciliation: Diverting youth from the homeless system back to family and natural supports whenever possible. - Permanent Connections: Includes engaging youth in family, school, and community connection activities. - Education & Employment Support: Supports education and employment goals by covering education and employment related costs. Expenses associated with enrolling and attending school may include GED tests, school IDs, school supplies, college applications, or placement test fees. Expenses associated with obtaining or maintaining employment may include interview clothing, work uniforms/shoes, licensing or certification costs, state ID, haircuts, or other costs that contribute to employment. - Support for Improved Social & Emotional Well-being: Crisis services, such as referrals and connections to health and behavioral health care services, engaging youth in community and familial activities, and encouraging connections to cultural, community, and trust-worthy adults. - May also provide items necessary to help an emergent need, such as: food, water, clothing, hygiene products, first aid, baby formula, diapers, medical prescriptions, winter gear, tents, sleeping bags, etc. All services are subject to approval per program guidelines.

Provides case management for youth to help them navigate community resources including housing, food and transportation. Also offers help with obtaining a high school diploma or GED, college and career planning as well as internships.

Provides financial assistance for those looking for career training.   Basic Food Employment & Training Program Assists recipients of federal Basic Food Assistance by providing funding for career training, GED, high school completion, or English as a Second Language classes to increase their opportunities for employment. May receive funding for tuition, textbooks, and a parking permit or ORCA transit pass. DSHS approval needed before funding can be awarded. Worker Retraining provides tuition assistance, books, and transportation for students who meet eligibility criteria.   Students must be enrolled in a Professional Technical program or Applied Bachelor's degree program.   Worker Retraining students receive additional support services with career advising, academic advising, priority registration, and assistance with Employment Security Training Benefits and Commissioner Approved Training applications. Opportunity Grant Provides education grants for low-income students who have not yet earned a degree and are studying an eligible program.   Family income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level   Provides 45 credits of tuition and fee assistance, books, and transportation assistance.

Possible funding, academic, and childcare support for students receiving SNAP basic food assistance through DSHS.

Provides intensive case management for at-risk and homeless youth, 13-25 years of age.  Can help youth get help with identification cards, GED and tutoring help, counseling, mentoring, and connecting with other services.

Assists youth, 13-24 years of age, with application support to get back into school or to obtain GED; as well as application fees, school supplies, and clothing for school.

Possible funding, academic, and childcare support for students receiving SNAP basic food assistance through DSHS.

Provides intensive case management for at-risk and homeless youth, 13-25 years of age.  Can help youth get help with identification cards, GED and tutoring help, counseling, mentoring, and connecting with other services.

Provides a variety of programs to help students prepare for college level courses or the workplace. Offers classes in Yelm, Olympia and Lacey. Adult Basic Education Provides basic classes for English, Math and Computers. These classes do not count as college credit but students are more prepared for college classes and the workforce. Courses offered in person or online. Basic Computer Skills Provides a low-cost, non credit course to help people improve their computer skills. Includes basic computer operations, email, zoom, canvas, Word, PowerPoint, keyboarding and more. English as a Second Language (ESOL) Offers six levels of classes to help non-native speakers of English improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. High School+ Allows students age 18 and older to earn a high school diploma. It is a competency based GED alternative and meets the requirements for a high school diploma for employment, financial aid applications, and admission to a community or technical college. Traditional GED prep classes and testing are also available. I-Best Allows students to increase literacy and work skills. Two instructors are in the classroom, toe to teach the professional/technical skills, and the other instructor teaches reading, writing, math or English language.

Provides intensive case management for at-risk and homeless youth, 13-25 years of age.  Can help youth get help with identification cards, GED and tutoring help, counseling, mentoring, and connecting with other services.

For those who have been out of the work force for a while or simply need to refresh their skills, short-term job training is a good option for getting back to work quickly.

Offers financial help on a case-by-case basis for GED, ID cards, prescriptions, and eye glasses (limited).

For those who have been out of the work force for a while or simply need to refresh their skills, short-term job training is a good option for getting back to work quickly.