Job training and education help in Oregon
Losing a job or changing careers unlocks real money: WorkSource Oregon pays for retraining, Pell Grants cover college for lower-income students, and federal programs forgive or shrink student debt for public servants and people with disabilities.
Not sure which of these fit you? Answer a few questionsand we’ll rank all of them for your household.
10 programs
A need-based federal grant for college or career school (up to about $7,395/year) that you don't repay. Unlocked by filing the FAFSA (or Oregon's ORSAA if you can't file the FAFSA).
For: Undergraduate students with financial need who haven't earned a bachelor's degree — file the fafsa or orsaa · verified 2026-07-19
Adult Education / GED Prep (Oregon community colleges)
Low-cost classes (with fee waivers if you can't pay) to earn a high-school-equivalency diploma or improve reading, writing, and math, and move into college or job training.
For: Adults 16 and older who want a ged or high-school equivalency, or to build basic skills (fee waivers for those who can't pay) · verified 2026-07-06
Chafee Education and Training Grant
A need-based grant for college or training, up to $5,000 a year.
For: People 25 or younger — current or former foster youth, age 25 or younger, in college or training · verified 2026-07-06
Foster Youth Tuition & Fee Waiver (HB 2095)
Waives all remaining tuition and fees at Oregon public colleges after other aid, for up to 4 years or a bachelor's degree.
For: People 25 or younger — current or former foster or homeless youth under 25 pursuing a first degree · verified 2026-07-06
Independent Living Program (ILP)
Life-skills training, financial help, housing help, tutoring, and transportation for youth leaving foster care.
For: People 14 to 23 — youth 14–24 who are or were in foster care · verified 2026-07-06
A need-based state grant for undergraduates at Oregon colleges.
For: Oregon residents with financial need pursuing a first college degree (undocumented and daca students may qualify) · verified 2026-07-19
A state grant that helps pay tuition at any Oregon community college for recent high school or GED graduates. Apply during your senior year or right after your GED.
For: Recent high-school graduates or ged earners starting an oregon community college soon · verified 2026-07-05
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Career counseling, training, assistive tech, job placement, and ongoing support to help people with disabilities get or keep work.
For: People whose disability makes it hard to get or keep a job · verified 2026-07-06
Free after-school programs, mentoring, food, family activities, and social services using schools as community hubs.
For: Students and families at a sun community school site · verified 2026-07-06
WorkSource Oregon (WIOA employment & training)
Free career coaching, training programs, paid internships and apprenticeships, resume and interview help, and support money for transportation, childcare, and tuition — funded by the federal WIOA.
For: Anyone looking for work, recently laid off, or wanting free job training (veterans get priority) · verified 2026-07-06