Life Skills represents the heart of StepUp as a learning community and utilizes a phased, incentive driven model complimented by case management.  To participate in the program, a person must complete the Job Training week and be employed at least 30 hours a week.  Participants meet weekly on Tuesday nights.  Participants are assigned a volunteer co-partner and a case manager.

The core curriculum is taught over four, 12 week phases:

Phase I: Spiritual/Personal Development
Phase II:Goal Setting/Financial Literacy
Phase III: Relational Development
Phase IV: Career/Credit Development

Life Skills has three additional program components:

Housing:  Life Skills participants may apply for assistance in securing affordable housing.  StepUp provides housing for over 60 people a year.

Children: Children of parents participating in Life Skills must attend StepUp.  The children learn the same age-appropriate curriculum as the adults.

StepAhead Scholarships: Once a participant completes six months of Life Skills, they can apply for a scholarship to assist their vocational or educational standing.