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News Releases
Scene from 2023 PCC Foundation Gala
Scene from 2023 PCC Foundation Gala
PCC Foundation fundraiser on April 27 supports students on road to success (Photo) - 03/26/24

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College Foundation will host its annual gala, “The Road to Success: That’s Where You’ll Find Me,” presented by Comcast, on Saturday, April 27, at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center.

Local drag performer, community activist, and PCC instructor Poison Waters will guide the audience down the road to success at “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”-themed fundraiser. The event will highlight the inspiring stories of three PCC students as they follow their dreams over the rainbow of higher education and on to future careers that support their families and our community. PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings will honor the contributions to student success by presenting the 2024 PCC Patron Award to Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Senator Michael Dembrow, and PCC Emeritus Board Member Denise Frisbee. 

For over a decade the community has come together to raise critical resources for PCC students during this annual event. The PCC Foundation is committed to building pathways to opportunity for those underserved in our community – and anticipates raising more than $350,000 in donations during the gala to provide scholarships for PCC students.

“We are thrilled to return as the presenting sponsor for PCC’s annual gala and support an event that expands access to opportunity for individuals in our region,” said Marion Haynes, vice president of external affairs at Comcast and PCC Foundation board member. “Together, we can make the dreams of education possible and build a brighter future for our region that benefits generations to come.”

For 2023-24, the PCC Foundation granted $2.2 million in scholarships to 1,500 students. Through fundraising at this spring’s gala, the Foundation hopes to award even more students in need next academic year. One such scholarship the Foundation plans to award in 2024-2025 is a designated Comcast scholarship in honor of the company’s $50,000 sponsorship.

“I love seeing our community come together to celebrate and invest in students,” said PCC Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline. “We are so grateful to our partners, like Comcast, who are committed to paving the road to success.”

For tickets or more information, visit pcc.edu/gala

 

About the PCC Foundation:

The PCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enriches lives and strengthens the region through support of education at PCC. The Foundation’s vision is that all students in the region have access to an excellent education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay. A tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the PCC Foundation mobilizes private support for student scholarships and educational programs. To find out more, call (971) 722-4382 or visit pcc.edu/foundation.

About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Media Advisory: PCC's Maritime Welding Completion Ceremony set for March 21 - 03/18/24

NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. – Media are invited to Portland Community College’s Maritime Welding Class of 2024 Completion Ceremony. The students will receive certificates for their completion to celebrate with their families and friends. The ceremony is much more than honoring the end of their training, as it is the beginning of their careers and entering a manufacturing industry in dire need of fresh workers.

Event Details:

Date – Thursday, March 21

Time – 10-11:30 a.m.

Location – Room 136, Swan Island Trades Center, (6400 N. Cutter Circle, Portland, OR 97217)


Event Highlights:

  • 10 a.m. Opening Ceremony:  PCC’s Assistant Associate Vice President of Academic and Career Pathways Karen Sanders and Interim Program Dean Patty Hawkins speak to mark the occasion. Remarks from the following industry partners: Ken Madden, Madden Industrial Craftsmen CEO; Walter Stokman,Vigor Director of Production and Ship Repair; Christopher Pike, Vigor Marine Director of Operations; and Frank Manning, Diversified Marine President and COO.
  • Testimonial:  PCC Maritime Welding Program alum Carl Suby.
  • Recognition: Outstanding performers Walker Davis, Brian Higginbotham and Rebecca White.
  • Student Interviews: Kia Blanchard, Walker Davis, Ashley Pfeifer and David Vargus.

About PCC’s Maritime Center of Excellence: The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) recently announced the designation of 32 Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education with PCC designated as demonstrably successful in maritime workforce training and education and thereby, a COE, one of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.


About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

 

PCC President Adrien Bennings receives the JCT Award from JCT Board President Ashley Campion.
PCC President Adrien Bennings receives the JCT Award from JCT Board President Ashley Campion.
Johnson Charitable Trust grants $250,000 to PCC's student success programs (Photo) - 03/14/24

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College's student success programs, Future Connect and PDX Bridge, were awarded The Johnson Charitable Trust (JCT) Award for Excellence in Service and Leadership, which comes with a $250,000, three-year grant that supports service to marginalized students.

“The JCT Award enables us to continue to serve our most underrepresented students, those with significant trauma, former foster youth, and those with educational barriers," said Future Connect Manager Suzanne Hesse. "Through cohort-supported reading and writing courses, PCC sets these students up for success."

JCT Board President Ashley Campion stated that she could not think of “any organization more deserving” as she presented the crystal award to gathered college staff. The award letter noted that "PCC has consistently stood out as extraordinary and who we value as pillars in the community . ... [we] long recognized, in particular, the importance of the Student Success Programs at PCC under your outstanding vision and leadership. These programs continue to exceed expectations and we believe, deserve this recognition."  

Through scholarship money, career guidance, and personalized advising, Future Connect helps students build pathways to their futures. PDX Bridge serves students at no cost who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or adjudication to receive the support of a college success coach and to start taking college classes with a community of peers.

“I am overcome and almost without words for the gratitude I feel for this generosity and vote of confidence in the importance of the Future Connect and PDX Bridge Programs that continue to serve these amazing students,” said Director of College Success Programs Josh Laurie. “Thank you to Ashley and The Johnson Charitable Trust for believing in PCC students.”  

Future Connect, which is a support program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income, has served nearly 4,000 students since 2011. Program staff help eliminate barriers to college by providing students with on-going support through scholarships, career guidance and personalized advising. PDX Bridge is dependent fully on donations to operate, and partners with local education and service providers to help youth transition to college.

“We are humbled to receive this award and are grateful for The Johnson Charitable Trust's investment in our students' success,” said Christina Kline, PCC Foundation executive director. “Their partnership and commitment has helped change the trajectories of hundreds of students' lives.”

Future Connect expands its Washington County footprint

Future Connect recently received $170,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation whose donor-advised funds will enable the program to hire a success coach for the next three years and expand the student success program to all parts of Washington County. 

This will enable PCC to reach those living outside of the cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro and in the rural areas of Banks, North Plains, Verboort and Forest Grove. OCF funds will also provide students with scholarships, emergency funds, and allow them to purchase materials and supplies. Ultimately, this investment will result in Future Connect serving as many as 75-100 students from Washington County per year who previously would not have access to the program.

The students in Future Connect are low-income or are the first in their families to attend college. Since 2014, Future Connect has served over 1,150 Washington County students from the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton combined.

About the PCC Foundation: The PCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enriches lives and strengthens the region through support of education at PCC. The Foundation’s vision is that all students in the region have access to an excellent education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay. A tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the PCC Foundation mobilizes private support for student scholarships and educational programs. To find out more, call (971) 722-4382 or visit pcc.edu/foundation.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.
 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

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Media Advisory: 'Columbia Make 'N Take' empowers local teachers in STEM training - 03/05/24

SCAPPOOSE, Ore. – The Fab Lab at the Portland Community College Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) Training Center in Scappoose is hosting an upcoming “Columbia Make ‘N Take” event in collaboration with the Northwest STEM Hub and Northwest Regional Education Service District. This gathering aims to empower educators with practical skills and resources to enhance STEM education in Columbia County.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Best visuals/interviews between 1-2:30 p.m.)

Location: PCC OMIC Training Center, 34001 NE Wagner Ct.

Description:

The Columbia Make ‘N Take event will bring together 31 elementary and middle school STEM teachers from various schools in Columbia County. Throughout the day, educators will engage in hands-on workshops covering 3D printing, design, vinyl cutting, and rapid prototyping. The program includes sessions on integrating technology into classroom activities and discussions on best practices. At the end of the program, each teacher will be taking a bundle of equipment, provided by the Northwest STEM Hub, back to their classroom for students to use.

“This program hopes to create consistency and access to STEM equipment and activities throughout Columbia County,” said Sarah Burns, PCC STEAM center coordinator. “We want to create a community space where teachers can gain skills, share ideas with their peers, learn how to access information and funding for STEM activities, and get excited about introducing their students to this technology.”

Featured Activities:

  • Introduction to 3D Design and 3D Printing
  • Make-Do Rapid Prototyping
  • Vinyl Cutting and T-Shirt Making

Participants:

Educators from the following schools will be participating:

  • Grant Watts Elementary
  • Sauvie Island Elementary
  • Banks Elementary
  • Vernonia Middle
  • St. Helens Middle
  • Vernonia Elementary
  • Otto Peterson Elementary
  • Rainier Jr./Sr. High
  • Clatskanie Middle
  • Warren Elementary
  • Gaston Elementary
  • Banks Middle
  • River Grove Elementary
  • Forest Hills Elementary
  • Clatskanie Elementary

Media Opportunities:

We invite members of the media to cover this exciting event. Opportunities for interviews, photography, and firsthand experiences with STEM education initiatives will be available. For further inquiries or to confirm attendance, please contact James Hill at 503-933-2664, or jghill@pcc.edu.

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

PCC_3352_copy.jpg
PCC_3352_copy.jpg
PCC launches initiative to simplify college access for Beaverton High School grads (Photo) - 03/04/24

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Portland Community College has entered into a direct admissions agreement to seamlessly admit all graduating seniors from Beaverton High School and its Early College High School. This pilot program will allow Beaverton seniors from the 2024-25 school year to be directly enrolled at PCC, starting in the fall of 2025. 

This initiative, aimed at breaking down barriers to post-secondary opportunities, specifically targets vulnerable and under-represented students, including low-income, first-generation, foster youth, and those from minority backgrounds.

“The move is a significant step toward creating equality of opportunity for students in underserved communities,” said PCC Executive Dean for K12 and Community Partnerships Vicky López Sánchez. “By streamlining the admissions process, PCC aims to save students valuable time and remove the potential barrier of a daunting application process. This approach ensures that students, often overwhelmed by the complexities of taking their ‘first step,’ can embark on their educational journey with the assurance of admission to PCC.”

Once rolled out, the pilot direct admissions program will be fine tuned and then eventually expanded to all Beaverton schools and additional districts within the college’s service area. PCC’s Director of Admissions & Recruitment Bridget Jones listed key reasons why this agreement with the Beaverton School District makes so much sense.

Key Benefits to Students:

Time Savings – Saves students time on having to prepare for admissions.

Simplified Process – Remove a potential barrier to access (the application process) which can oftentimes feel overwhelming for students trying to take the “first step.”

Less Stress – Reduces unnecessary stress and will help relieve the anxieties students face in figuring out what to do next in navigating the college environment. “At the very least, students will know they are admitted to PCC. Staff can help them navigate their next steps to get a successful start at the college and help them explore our career and academic pathway options,” Jones added.

Supportive Environment – Knowing they are admitted to PCC allows students to feel wanted and supported, fostering a sense of belonging within the college community.

Focused Assistance – With reduced administrative load, admissions teams can dedicate more time to helping students develop financial plans, connecting them with academic supports, and addressing challenges faced by many students.

Desired Outcomes:

Increased College Attendance – The initiative targets increased enrollment of first-generation students, immigrant students, and students of color.

Enhanced Sense of Belonging – PCC aims to create a strong college-going and career-preparing culture in the Portland area, contributing to a more inclusive environment.

Job Training Skills – The proposal aligns with local employer needs, providing students with critical job training skills, particularly in career and technical education (CTE) fields.

“The Beaverton School District is pleased to be partnering with PCC on this important pilot project,” said Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Balderas. “We value this opportunity that grants automatic access to college and career training for our graduating seniors, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. We are hopeful that this new initiative will alleviate some of the stress and struggles associated with the college admissions process for both our students and their families.”

This effort fits into PCC’s mission of delivering access to a quality education. The state’s largest community college has numerous partnerships with local school districts and agreements with key four-year institutions to make degree completion and career technical training more within reach for students. These include dual enrollment agreements with Portland State University, Oregon State University, Oregon Institute of Technology and Linfield College where students are directly enrolled at both institutions. Plus, the college has dual credit agreements with school districts to help area high school students attain college credit and make transitioning into higher education easier.

For more information, visit www.pcc.edu.

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Student_plays_with_a_mini_hand_drone.jpg
Student_plays_with_a_mini_hand_drone.jpg
Youth Manufacturing Day showcases future career opportunities for Hillsboro students (Photo) - 03/01/24

HILLSBORO, Ore. – Portland Community College’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center (241 SW Edgeway Drive) ignited the spark of curiosity and ambition in about 60 high school students from Washington County on Feb. 28. In collaboration with the Hillsboro School District and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the center hosted an immersive Youth Manufacturing Day aimed at shedding light on the diverse pathways within the manufacturing industry.

Attendees embarked on a whirlwind tour through six interactive stations, each offering a glimpse into the exciting world of manufacturing. From donning bunny suits at the gowning station to delving into the cutting-edge realm of virtual reality, students had the opportunity to engage firsthand with various aspects of manufacturing technology. In addition, representatives were on hand to discuss job and employment opportunities at their companies, including Jireh Semiconductors, Qorvo, Align Precision and Twist Bioscience, to name a few.

“PCC and local industry partners have a shared goal to raise awareness of manufacturing and semiconductor jobs with career growth potential,” said DaNene Dwyer, program manager with the Willow Creek Opportunity Center. “At Youth Manufacturing Day, high school students were able to explore opportunities in an industry they might not have considered before.”

In its second year, the event aims to not only showcase PCC’s array of manufacturing-related programs but also to inspire the next generation of industry leaders. By offering a hands-on experience and highlighting the practical applications of bioscience, microelectronics, and more, organizers hope to spark enthusiasm and encourage students to pursue educational pathways that align with their interests and aspirations.

“It was a great opportunity to share information about PCC's manufacturing-related programs that get students workforce ready in three months to two years,” said Ariel Ladum, PCC trainer and education specialist. “The students were highly engaged as they moved through five interactive stations hosted by PCC faculty and industry partners.”

Three programs were highlighted during the day to provide pathways to semiconductor training for the students:

Semiconductor Essentials Training -- This class is free to youth ages 17 to 24 years old who are interested in the semiconductor industry. They can enroll in the class to plan next steps to start their students at PCC in manufacturing programs, develop technical skills through hands-on training and develop in demand essential skills for success. Interested students can visit the program's webpage, or call (971) 722-2623.

NextGen Youth Services -- The NextGen Youth Program provides a welcoming and supportive space for youth ages 16–24 years old who are encountering barriers while trying to enter the workforce. Along with our community partners, staff provide support for work tools, books, fees, TriMet passes, and more. There are career exploration activities that will help participants develop skills and gain work experience. To learn more visit the program's webpage, or call (971) 722-2541 in Washington County or (971) 722-2178 in Multnomah.

Opportunity Centers College & Career Prep -- For people who want to go to school to earn a family wage  and need support connecting to PCC and community resources. For details, visit the jobs webpage or call (971) 722-2688.

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/