Portland Community College

Drive to Thrive: Building Connections That Keeps Students Enrolled

Students who feel connected to campus are more likely to stay in school. Your Big Give Day gifts funded Drive to Thrive, encourages students to build the habits that lead to graduation: meeting with advisors, visiting tutoring centers, attending orientation, and joining student clubs. Each time students participate, they earn a chance to win scholarships and prizes.

Here’s what your support made possible :

• 1,198 students enrolled in Drive to Thrive
• 7,398 check-ins at 473 campus events, advising sessions, and club meetings
• 89% of participants stayed enrolled from fall to winter term, compared with 74% college-wide
• Nearly 90% of courses passed, with participants completing 6,609 credits
• $12,900 in scholarships and prizes awarded to students

On June 2, 2026, students and college leaders gathered at Sylvania Campus to celebrate. Students received $9,500 in scholarships, and one grand prize winner drove away in a brand new hybrid vehicle.

In Their Own Words

“As a single mom raising a son with special needs, sometimes it can get tough doing it all. This scholarship will help ease the financial burden that comes with balancing school and single mom life… Attending PCC and receiving this support helps me get closer to my goal: pursuing my education to build a stable career and provide a better opportunity for my son.” – Jasper L., Grand Prize Winner

“Before returning to school, I spent over six years working in human services as a peer support specialist in low-barrier shelters. My dream is to open a culturally responsive group home for adults with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. This support allows me to focus fully on my education and build stability for my daughters.” – Gennesis M., Scholarship Recipient

“Since I was a little girl, I have always been passionate about the arts. My dream is to become a director ten years from now. Winning this award has truly made me believe that I can accomplish anything when I step out of my comfort zone.” – Heaven G., Scholarship Recipient

“After being laid off unexpectedly in January, I knew I wanted to invest in myself through higher education. This money will help alleviate the financial burden on my shoulders as I learn and grow at PCC.” – Becky S., Scholarship Recipient

Opening Doors Through Language

For students learning English, stronger language skills open the way to college courses and better jobs. But tuition costs can be a barrier.

Your Big Give Day gifts funded the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Fund, which awarded $34,423 in scholarships from Fall 2025 through Summer 2026.

• Helping students keep moving forward: $8,623 covered 54 additional class enrollments for students in Levels 4-6 who needed tuition assistance.
• Supporting advanced learners: 34 students in advanced Level 7 classes each received a $500 scholarship, totaling $17,000.
• Building a bridge to a degree: $8,800 helped 5 students move from ESOL classes into college-credit coursework; their first step toward a certificate or degree.

Removing Barriers Before Classes Begin

Entrance exams, clinical uniforms, and evaluations can stop a qualified student before the first day of class. Your gifts helped cover these costs.

• Healthcare programs: Covered entrance exam fees for Nursing and Medical Imaging applicants, provided clinical scrubs for Eye Technician and Medical Assisting students, and supplied required ID badge reels for Health Information Management students.
  
• Learning evaluations: Funded LEAP evaluations for neurodiverse students, helping reduce waitlists, and providing access to testing accommodations for certification exams.

“Financial stress is the biggest barrier to school for me, so having that exam paid for was a huge relief… it ensures that everyone who qualifies can be considered for entry into the program rather than just those who can afford it.” – PCC Healthcare Student

“We often have students who do not have the additional funding available to purchase scrubs. Being able to provide them with a free set helps ensure they are prepared for clinical rotations without extra expense.” – Eye Technician Program Faculty

Help in a Crisis

An unexpected bill or an unsafe living situation can force a student to leave school. Your gifts helped students stay housed, stay safe, and stay focused on learning.

• Domestic violence relief: 8 student survivors of domestic abuse received emergency grants and safety planning support, covering emergency relocation, rent, utility bills, and basic supplies.
  
• Bridge grants: Through programs like Future Connect, students received emergency funds for urgent expenses, including rent and car repairs between terms.

“Without your support, our students may have to take a break or stop out to take care of emergencies. This funding lets them breathe and cover unexpected costs while still persisting toward their goals.” – Future Connect Team

Scholarships for Students Balancing It All

Scholarships eased the financial pressure on adult learners, returning students, and students in specific fields of study.

• Targeted support: Four Exercise Science students received scholarships, and a woman returning to school to study STEM received a local AAUW scholarship.
  
• Support for working students: Scholarships helped adult students balance jobs, families, and full course loads.

“Being an older returning student with a full-time job has been tough, especially when it comes to financial aid… Your award will alleviate much of my stress.” – Jacklyn S., Scholarship Recipient

Learning Beyond the Classroom

• Sylvania Learning Garden: Big Give Day support funded waterproofing, drainage repairs, and green roof replanting for the cob structures students built in the garden, including the Salmon Bench, Worm Villa, and Coyote Pizza Oven.
  
• Real-world experience: Thanks to Big Give Day funding, the Learning Garden Growth Program engaged work-study students and volunteers in hands-on design, construction, and maintenance projects. This practical experience provides essential preparation for careers in architecture, landscape design, skilled trades, and environmental fields.