Educating students with disabilities, ages 18–21, to lead productive, independent lives as contributing members of their community.
About STEPS
About STEPS
Student Transition Educational Program Services (STEPS) is a community based program designed for 18-21 year old students from the districts of Southwest Washington who are in need of additional assistance in transitioning from high school to the world of work and furthering their independent living skills. STEPS offers young adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in career exploration and receive specialized instruction, training and support including daily living, communication, self-advocacy and social skills.
Located in downtown Longview, STEPS central location offers community involvement for its students along with work experience, enhancement of daily living skills, recreational and leisure opportunities and assistance with planning post-secondary education or training.
Students Benefit
Students benefit by having real world experiences and gaining skills in the areas of: communication, safety, customer service, organization, time management and community interactions.
Students will have opportunities to:
- Participate in career exploration and development
- Participate in community-based education
- Receive specialized instruction, training and support
- Learn skills that include daily living, communication, employability, self-advocacy, safety, customer service, time management and social skills
Local Businesses Benefit
- By investing in the future, helping create a better prepared workforce.
- By capitalizing on new market opportunities. Customers with disabilities, their families, friends and associates represent a trillion dollar market segment.
- By building a positive image of their business in the community.
- By building staff morale and customer loyalty.
- By demonstrating good corporate citizenship. By lowering employee turnover.
Eligibility
- Currently receiving special education services
- IEP team has determined a need for transition services to meet goals related to becoming independent adults
- Districts notify the STEPS Program Administrator to start the referral process at the age of 17 for entry into STEPS at the age of 18
Partnerships
Our Community Partners
- Life Works
- River Cities Transit
- CAP
- YMCA
- Goodwill
- DVR
- LCC
- Columbia Wellness
- Eyes on Commerce
- Project Hope
STEPS Students benefit from work experiences at job sites including:
- Lower Columbia College
- Cowlitz County Historical Museum
- Goodwill
- Habitat for Humanity
- Farm Dog Bakery
- Petco
- Creekside Café
- Screen Print NW
- Panini’s and More
- Canterbury Inn
- Bob’s Sporting Goods
- Humane Society of Cowlitz County
- Hole-E-Rollers
- Longview Library
- Sears Hometown
- Grounds For Opportunity
- Red Hat
- Goodwill Work Opportunities
- Thiel’s Music
- LCC Fork & Flame
- Triangle Bowl
- Bud Clary
- DMA Shredding
- Lynn’s Ice Cream
What Our Participants Are Saying
“STEPS is awesome. We have friends and family here. We call it the STEPS team.”
“STEPS has helped me learn the skills I need to get a job in the future.”
“Take a step at STEPS. One step at a time…”
Program Contacts
STEPS Location & Contacts
1217 14th Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
360-355-3145
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