Building Pathways to a Brighter Future

The Partnership to STEP UP in Health Careers (STEP UP) is an exciting career laddering program that provides educational training for Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) recipients and low income eligible individuals in high demand healthcare fields. This program is funded by Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

The Partnership to STEP UP in Health Careers (STEP UP) program is operated by Chicago State University in partnership with South Suburban Community College, Metropolitan Family Services- Calumet and Proactive Community Services. Together, we offer the opportunity for training and career laddering in the rewarding fields of Community Health, Health Information Administration, Nursing and Occupational Therapy.

Who is eligible to participate?

1. Individuals over the age of 18 years old.
2. U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
3. Individuals who meet household income requirements:
   • Receive Temporary Assistance for needy Families (TANF) or
   • Meet the 200% federal poverty guidelines.
4. Individuals who have not been enrolled in post-secondary for over a year.
5. Interest in a career in the healthcare.

Applicants need to be aware that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for a certification examination or obtain a state license. The STEP UP program will assist individuals with such backgrounds to determine their options.

HPOG is a study funded by the federal government which is being conducted to determine how these training opportunities help people improve their skills and find better jobs. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be selected by lottery to participate in these training opportunities. Not all eligible applicants will be selected to participate in these opportunities.

Health Care Educational Opportunities

Certified nursing Assistant	Occupational Therapy Aide
Medical Coding Specialist	Community Health Worker
Medical Assistant	Associate Registered Nurse
Occupational Therapy Assistant	B.S. in Nursing
RN to BSN completion	B.S. in Community Health *
B.S. in Health Information Administration	B.S. in Pre- Occupational Therapy

All educational programs are accredited by their professional associations or in candidacy* and meet the requirements necessary for program completers to apply for relevant certification and/or licensure.

• Personalized Assessment
• Individualized Academic and Career Planning
• Pre-College Basic Skills Development
• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tutoring and Academic Success Programs
• Internships or Clinical Placements
• Assistance with Support Services
• Job Readiness and Placement Services
• Job Shadowing and Mentoring
• Peer Support and Learning Communities
• Childcare Referrals

Chicago State University
9501S King Drive BHS 231
Chicago, IL. 60628 
Telephone: 773-995-3882
Email:hpogstepup@csu.edu

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South Suburban College
15800 S State Street
South Holland, IL. 60473
Telephone: 708-596-2000 ext 2356
Email: HPOG@ssc.edu

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Metropolitan Family Services- Calumet
235 East 103rd Street
Chicago, Illinois, 60628
Telephone: 773-371-3642
Email:stepupinfo@metrofamily.org

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Metropolitan Family Services - Southwest 
13136 South Western Avenue
Blue Island , Illinois 60406
Telephone: 708-974-5811
Email:stepupinfo@metrofamily.org

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This document was supported by Grant 90FX0052 from the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS.