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PCC’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center Hosts Return Of Summer Youth Summit (Photo) -05/15/25

HILLSBORO, Ore. – A collective effort to help youth find their path this summer is underway at Portland Community College. The Washington County Youth Opportunities Summer Summit returns to the Willow Creek Opportunity Center (241 SW Edgeway Drive, Hillsboro) from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 28.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is made possible through a collaboration with WorkSource Oregon, event sponsor Worksystems Inc., and other partners. Organizers will offer students – and prospective students – information on PCC short-term training options, plus, resume workshops, summer jobs, paid internships and introductions to local employers.

“We’re offering a range of exciting opportunities tailored specifically for youth ages 17 to 24,” said DaNene Dwyer, director of the Willow Creek Opportunity Center. “Whether they are searching for a summer job, an internship, or exploring career and technical education, we have resources available to help them make an informed choice.”

This summit was last held before the pandemic in 2019. Organizers anticipate about 200 students from Washington County high schools will attend, along with community members. The event will include a showcase of employers, training providers and career consultants in fields such as health care, technology and manufacturing.

PCC’s Opportunity Centers serve as local hubs that bring together people, employers and community partners to transform lives. The expert team at Willow Creek is committed to helping individuals explore careers, build skills, gain confidence, and succeed in their education and career goals.

For more information, visit pcc.edu/opportunity-center.

 

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 53,000 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/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

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PCC’s Sky-High Makeover: New Livery Gives Training Aircraft An Elevated Look (Photo) -05/12/25

HILLSBORO, Ore. – That’s a wrap! Literally.

Portland Community College recently unveiled the new livery for its training aircraft – a Bombardier Q400 commercial propeller plane – just in time for the Oregon International Air Show. In 2022, Horizon Air flew the Q400 to the Hillsboro Airport and donated the former commercial aircraft to the PCC Foundation to provide students in the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program with real-world training.

The airplane will be open for tours on both Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18 of the airshow and hosted by PCC and Horizon Air.

Soon, the Q400 will be used for hands-on instruction on modern engine and avionics technologies. The aircraft will provide PCC students with the chance to conduct – system servicing, wheel, brake, and tire changing, turbine engine run/ops check, airframe inspections, power plant inspections, ice and rain protection, air conditioning and pressurization, indicating and recording, autoflight (autopilot systems) and auxiliary power unit operation, inspection, and servicing.

“It is rare for an aviation maintenance school to have such a modern commercial aircraft for training,” said Tom Laxson, faculty chair of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. “It exposes students to technologies that are otherwise exclusive to tenured professionals of commercial aviation. Even just the aircraft’s maintenance manuals have had a significant modernizing effect on our offered training.”

PCC, and schools like it in the country, is the primary means by which the aviation industry gains new aviation maintenance workers in the region. The Oregon Employment Department reports Portland area aviation service technicians can earn a starting annual salary of $85,993, and a report by Boeing indicated a dire shortage of trained workers in the field.

“It’s critical to have hands-on experience for our students, and we’re doing that with this donation for aviation maintenance,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “Collaboration and partnership with the community make great things happen.”

The plane’s presence at the airport is a continuation of strong industry and community partnerships PCC has developed to strengthen its career-technical education (CTE) training. In 2020, the college partnered with the Hillsboro School District, Oregon Air Show Charitable Foundation and other key partners to create the dual-credit Oregon Aerospace Careers for Everyone (O-ACE) Program for high school students interested in careers as aviation maintenance technicians, avionics technicians or professional pilots. 

In 2021, AMT entered into a partnership with Horizon Air called the Horizon Technician Development Program, providing students with industry-relevant training and employment opportunities.

“Our relationship with PCC is extremely strong,” said Archie Vega, Director of Line/Base Maintenance and Student Development with Horizon Air.

Wendy Wright, a senior graphic designer for the foundation and a graduate of PCC's Graphic Design Program, created the livery. Her creative design took between 150-200 hours to develop and included a fuselage wrap and a new blue color scheme for the tail.

"People don't realize all of the 'behind the curtain' things that happen to make something so incredibly complex look so simple," Wright said. "I also loved the collaboration that it took to get to this point. This plane not only helps one of our many programs at the college but is a huge gift to the entire college."

Wright's involvement symbolizes how involved the PCC Foundation is with providing resources for CTE programs like AMT. The foundation has three aviation-related scholarships to fund student success and program training, and has collectively awarded $24,400 to AMT students during the 2024-25 academic year.

For more information on PCC's Aviation Maintenance Technology, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/aviation-maintenance/ 

 

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 53,000 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/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC's Multimedia Program Adds New Degree Thanks To LAIKA Partnership (Photo) -05/06/25

NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College’s relationship with LAIKA Studios is in full motion.

PCC’s Multimedia Program announced a new associate degree in Animation and Motion Graphics that has just been approved by the state of Oregon and accreditors, which will be available to students beginning fall term of 2025.

Last year, a collaboration between PCC and LAIKA was announced that included a two-year $60,000 pledge from LAIKA to the PCC Foundation. This contribution supports PCC’s LAIKA scholarship and program funds that provide a stop motion lab, equipment and supplies like software and tools for puppet making fabrication. Another key component is the Oregon Film Office/LAIKA Summer Internship that is open to PCC students.

LAIKA funding also supports the curriculum and the new associate degree in Animation and Motion Graphics that will enhance educational opportunities for aspiring animators in Oregon. The degree provides students a comprehensive curriculum offering that blends traditional and digital animation techniques. Through co-created studios and industry-standard facilities, students gain hands-on experience and practical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

“We are so excited to be partnering with LAIKA and its innovative production studio,” said Erik Fauske, PCC multimedia instructor. “The scholarship donations and program funds will provide financial support to incoming students and equitable access to cutting edge industry tools.”

In addition to financial support, LAIKA provides valuable insights and feedback to shape the program’s direction and curriculum. Through annual updates and advising sessions, the studio plays an integral role in guiding students towards industry success.

In April, the college and the studio hosted a portfolio review at the Cascade Campus to advise the students' creations. Aspiring student filmmakers, animators, and digital storytellers -- many dreaming of a future with LAIKA -- are a segment of aspiring workers that the studio can recruit and hire from.

“LAIKA’s curriculum feedback, portfolio support and guidance on workflow will impact students to be job ready with relevant skills,” Fauske added. “At Multimedia, we provide an eclectic array of classes in many areas of production and we are so excited to enhance our animation, visual effects, and motion graphic curriculum.”

LAIKA assistant cameraperson and PCC alum Anna Terpening represented LAIKA to assist in inspiring the current crop of students. Just two years ago, the Banks native was a multimedia student at PCC, balancing assignments and work. Her break came during a competitive three-month production internship with LAIKA where she obtained up close access to all the departments and met co-workers from all around the studio.

 

“I was really blessed by folks that helped me and gave me opportunities to learn,” said Terpening, who earned her associate degree in Multimedia in 2023. “They believed in me. And I worked really hard to learn about anything that I didn't know, or had questions about, and tried to be as helpful as I could with my position.”

 

Terpening credits PCC for giving her the tools to succeed.

“I got hands-on experience with lighting, dollies, jibs—real-world skills,” she said. “I even picked up paid gigs while still in school, which helped build my resume and confidence.”

Her advice to aspiring creatives who want a way into the field: “It's not glamorous, but being diligent in what you are doing, treating people well, and being an eager learner leaves a bigger impact.” 

For more information, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/multimedia/

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 53,000 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/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

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PCC Foundation Hosts Reinvented ‘Party At PCC’ Event On May 17 (Photo) -04/30/25

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Community College Foundation is reinventing a classic – its annual gala.

The PCC Foundation is debuting its reimagined signature event, "Together for Tomorrow," from 5:30-9 p.m, Saturday, May 17, at the Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave. Designed to reflect the heart of PCC’s mission and community, the event will raise funds for student scholarships while celebrating the transformative power of a PCC education. Tickets are $100 with proceeds supporting PCC student scholarships and parking will be free.

After years of hosting traditional fundraising galas, the PCC Foundation is embracing a new approach centered on connection, celebration and impact. “Together for Tomorrow” invites guests to enjoy a relaxed and vibrant evening on campus, featuring food, drinks and meaningful opportunities to connect. Entertainment includes music by DJ Aspen, who is a PCC student and spins for the Portland Timbers, Thorns and Trail Blazers.

“We wanted this event to reflect the values of our community: access, success, and a shared commitment to creating opportunity for PCC students,” said Executive Director of the PCC Foundation Christina Kline.

The PCC Foundation will present this event with longtime partner Comcast, which has supported the gala for the past six years and continues to invest in student and community success.

 

“At Comcast, we believe in the power of education and opportunity to transform lives, and we’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the PCC Foundation,” said Senior Director of Community Impact for Comcast Pacific NW Region Rebecca Brown. “We’re honored to be part of this meaningful event that helps create opportunity and builds a stronger future for our community.” 

The event will take place in Sylvania's Performing Arts Center courtyard. At 7 p.m., guests will move into the theater for a program highlighting stories from students and PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings, celebrating donors and community partners, and underscoring the vital role scholarships play in helping students thrive. The event will close with dessert and dancing.

To purchase tickets and learn more, visit https://www.pcc.edu/foundation/events/together-for-tomorrow/ 

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 53,000 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/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

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Andres Garcia Perez Is First-ever PCC Student Chosen For Prestigious Internship (Photo) -04/23/25

ALOHA, Ore. – Portland Community College student and Oregon native Andres Garcia Perez has made history as the first PCC student selected for the prestigious National High School Equivalency Program (HEP)/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Association Internship Program.

Perez, who lives in Aloha, is one of only six students nationwide chosen for this highly competitive internship, designed for first-year post-secondary students. He will spend 10 weeks this summer in Washington, D.C., developing advocacy and leadership skills by interning with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the U.S. The HEP/CAMP internship covers round-trip travel, housing at George Washington University, and a $4,500 stipend to support professional development.

“It is truly such an honor and privilege to be interning for LULAC,” said Perez. “With my aspirations of owning a law firm and becoming an immigration attorney, this opportunity will develop my leadership and professional skills significantly. I’m excited to network with leaders in D.C. and bring back everything I learn to share with my community.”

PCC’s HEP Program helps students earn their high school equivalency credentials, serving over 6,000 students nationally each year. CAMP supports first-year college students through mentorship and academic resources. PCC's CAMP serves approximately 45 students annually, and nearly 75% of participants go on to complete a bachelor's degree. 

“Thanks to CAMP and their mentorship, I have been guided towards a successful college career,” Perez said. “They laid out the steps required for me to reach my professional goals, making it easy to focus on studies and prepare for opportunities like this one.”

PCC CAMP Director Greg Contreras is proud of Perez's academic development. Contreras, who can submit just one student recommendation annually, emphasized the historic nature of Perez’s accomplishment. He said that Perez's selection will open doors not only for him, but for others.

“Andres is a natural leader, deeply rooted in doing good for his community—through church, charity, or school,” said Contreras. “This selection shows what’s possible for students in our program and inspires others to aim high."

The Aloha High School graduate and sports star, Perez hopes to actively participate in policy discussions, staff meetings and advocacy efforts impacting Latino communities across the nation. Despite facing personal challenges—he is partially deaf and visually impaired even with corrective lenses -- Perez has enjoyed academic success. He excels academically, musically and in leadership, proficiently playing guitar, bass, piano, ukulele and drums.

“Everything has been good about this experience—from CAMP orientation to networking opportunities,” Perez said. Recently, he attended the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute in Chicago, meeting figures like Emmy-winning journalist Gaby Natale and Oregon's first Mexican-American District Attorney John Haroldson.

Perez said he wouldn't know where he'd be in his academic journey without CAMP. He said he wouldn’t have the connections, friendships and experiences that he now has thanks to the program's support. 

"CAMP gave me confidence, organizational skills and space to grow both personally and professionally,” Perez said.

Perez, 19, is deeply committed to community service, a value he attributes to his upbringing. Born in Oregon, he comes from a family of seven, the child of Mexican migrant farmworkers—his mother from Oaxaca and father from Tlaxcala. 

“Andres recognizes the toil of hard labor his parents have endured harvesting fruit,” wrote Contreras in his recommendation. “He is compelled to elevate his family through education.”

Perez was captain of the Aloha High School baseball team, earned the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy, and is now coaching junior varsity baseball there. Perez began at PCC with a scholarship from Aloha High and financial aid from Oregon Promise, plus a federal Pell Grant. He earned a place on PCC’s President’s List last fall, carrying a 3.75 grade-point average while taking 18 credits and volunteering with the Western Farm Workers Association.

“My dream is for my parents to retire comfortably, and for me to own one of the most successful law firms in the nation,” Perez said. “I want to inspire students like me to pursue careers in law or criminal justice and create a scholarship for migrant-background students in Oregon who aspire to attend law school.”

Perez describes himself as “a proud Latino student who has lived in Oregon my whole life. As the child of migrant farmworkers, I understand firsthand the transformative power of education. It is not just about personal success; it's about the responsibility I carry to uplift others along the way.”

For more information, visit the CAMP webpage or the HEP Program page.

 

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 53,000 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/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

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