Ready for the Future: 2025-26 Giving Report

A young woman rests her clasped hands on a brick wall and smiles confidently at camera, with the words, Ready for the Future: 2025-26 Giving Report.

Together, We’re Increasing Opportunity for Students

At Portland Community College, opportunity takes many forms. It can be a scholarship that makes college possible, support at just the right moment, or a connection that opens the door to a new career.

Across PCC, donors, community members, and industry partners collaborate with the PCC Foundation to provide financial support, mentorship, professional connections, and a shared commitment to students. Together, we are expanding access to education and creating pathways to greater economic and social mobility. We are helping our students be ready for the future!

The stories and results in our 2025-26 giving report show what your commitment makes possible. They also reflect the determination of PCC students.

Jump to a section:

Scholarships | Programs | Workforce | Legacy Giving | Funding and Financials

View the full 2025-26 giving report [PDF] Donate today

The Impact of Your Giving in 2025-26
  • 1,807 students received scholarship support
  • The Student Basic Needs Center served people through 63,372 visits, offering food, hygiene supplies, transportation assistance, peer support, and more
  • 6,329 students have participated in the Future Connect or First-Year Experience mentorship programs
  • Nearly $3.7 million in direct aid to students through scholarships, emergency grants, and other financial assistance – a new record!
Creating Opportunity with Scholarships

For many, the cost of college can be a significant barrier. PCC students are often working full time, supporting families, and trying to make ends meet. Each year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the PCC Foundation provides more than $3 million in scholarships, reducing the cost of tuition, books, and other education expenses. By easing financial pressures, scholarships help more students access college, stay enrolled, and pursue their dreams.

Behind every scholarship is a student building their future — and a supporter helping them reach it.

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Addiction recovery is more than a career for Chris Pushor

It’s a way of life.

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Classes at PCC changed Tim Shield’s trajectory

Decades later, they still inspire his giving.

In 2025-26, the PCC Foundation awarded $3.2 million in scholarships – a new record.
  • 1 in 3 applicants receive an award each year, based on available funding.
  • $1,770 is the average scholarship award, offsetting the cost of tuition, books, and fees.
  • $5,610 is the estimated annual tuition for a full-time resident PCC student.

The PCC Foundation works with private donors and public partners to provide scholarship funding for students across a range of academic disciplines.

  • 306 total individual scholarship funds are available to applicants through the PCC Foundation.
  • 22 new scholarships funds were created in 2025-26.
Putting the Right Resources Within Reach

Students need more than financial support to succeed in college. For 15 years, Future Connect, PCC’s mentorship and scholarship program, has paired students with dedicated coaches who help them navigate college, connect with resources, and stay on track toward their goals. That personalized approach inspired the First-Year Experience, which connects all students with coaches through their first year. And, when unexpected setbacks arise, resources like emergency grants and the Panther Pantry can provide immediate help. Thanks to donor generosity, the PCC Foundation helps make these programs and resources possible, empowering students to keep moving toward their goals.

Students can focus on their future when they have the support they need.

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College felt a world away for Nikki McSweeney

…until she found Future Connect.

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Future Connect manager reflects on a decade of working with students

Creating a sense of belonging has been at the heart of Suzanne Hesse’s work.

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A community that believes in students

Future Connect marks 15 years of turning college access into college completion.

In 2025-26, your support helped students find belonging, meet basic needs, and keep going when challenges arise:
  • 868 students were served through Future Connect.
  • 5,461 students were served through the First-Year Experience.
  • 4,708 PCC users visited the Panther Pantry for food and hygiene supplies.
  • 403 students received Urgent Student Need grants to help meet basic needs and stay enrolled.
Preparing Students for In-Demand Careers

Many students come to PCC to gain the skills and experience they need to pursue family-wage careers. The PCC Foundation builds partnerships with employers, foundations, and other community partners that provide financial support, practical experience, and industry connections. These partnerships help students prepare for the workforce and create pathways to meaningful careers.

Investing in students helps build a skilled workforce and a thriving regional economy.

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A chance visit to PCC’s Opportunity Center introduced Evangelista Mc Intyre to a new career path

Now, she’s pursuing her dream to become a maritime welder and showing her daughter what’s possible.

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Lease Crutcher Lewis’ partnership with PCC welcomes more people into construction

Lewis employee Amanda McCaffrey is passionate about expanding access to construction careers through mentorship and education.

During the 2025-26 academic year:
  • $3.3 million was provided by the PCC Foundation to PCC programs supporting workfroce development and other student needs.
  • 9,763 students pursued Career and Technical Education-related majors.
  • 5,648 students attended Discover classes and other career exploration activities at Opportunity Centers.
Providing for Future Generations

Legacy giving helps students pursue an education for years to come. Donors who include the PCC Foundation in their will, trust, or other estate plans provide a future gift without affecting their resources today and are recognized with membership in the Amo DeBernardis Legacy Society.

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Jerry Donnelly’s commitment to PCC students began as a staff member. Now, he’s giving with the future in mind.

“I know how much it can take to finish college. If I can make that path a little easier for someone else, that means something to me.” Read Jerry’s story.

Explore legacy giving options.

Investing in Opportunity

The PCC Foundation receives funding from individual and corporate contributions, foundation and government grants, and investment earnings. These resources support scholarships, student programs, and initiatives that expand educational opportunity at PCC.

Together, we help meet students’ needs today while sustaining this work for the future.

During 2025-26:

  • 1,480 donors invested in PCC students.
  • 32% of donors were inspired to give for the first time.
  • 464 donors were faculty, staff, or retirees of PCC.
Endowment Fund Growth

Thanks to generous donors, careful fiscal stewardship, and strong market performance, the PCC Foundation’s endowment has surpassed $41 million, providing a current and lasting source of support for students.
A bar chart showing Endowment Fund Growth from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with the following values: $16,826,675 in 2021-22, $19,183,901 in 2022-23, $21,838,967 in 2023-24, $24,438,422 in 2024-25, and $41,076,260 in 2025-26.

View our 2025-26 audited and approved financial statements

Thank you for your partnership and your belief in our students!