Civic leadership Development
Mission
The Office of Civic Leadership Development facilitates civic education and access through community advocacy, experiential learning, and leadership development.
Vision
To empower students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to be change agents in our communities.
Values
- Social Justice and Equity – We recognize that the systems that comprise our society have resulted in widespread inequities across minoritized communities and we commit to embodying an anti-racist, intersectional approach in civic education.
- Student Self-actualization – PCC students are capable of incredible things, and we carry an unwavering commitment to fostering an environment in which students are given the opportunities and skills in order to achieve their full potential.
- Interrogation of Traditional forms of Civic Leadership – We commit ourselves to a critical approach to civic leadership, one which uplifts non-traditional forms of civic leadership and engagement in addition to traditional civic structure like public office.
- Centering of Community Cultural Wealth – We reject deficit thinking and embrace/uplift the fact that our communities provide us with a wealth of non-traditional forms of wealth that enrich our collective community.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Student Organizer Leadership Program
Student Organizers coordinate new and ongoing civic leadership development activities such as education campaigns, grassroots organizing, coordinating volunteer opportunities, community advocacy and vote campaigns. Through this position, students will also receive leadership development in addition to mentoring and networking opportunities at PCC and beyond.
We are currently Hiring Student Organizers for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Review our job description to learn more and submit your application by our best consideration date of May 1st.
PCC Legislative Internship Program
The Portland Community College Legislative Internship is a unique opportunity funded through student activity fees that gives students the opportunity to intern with legislators in Salem, learn about the legislative process, and represent the diverse student population of PCC. The application for the 2027 legislative session will open in September 2026.
Get Informed and Get Involved
Join us on PantherHUB
In addition to finding information about our upcoming in person events, this is where students can find “Panthers in the Know,” our online civic trivia program. Test your knowledge about different topics like politics, volunteering and other civic systems that influence our community.
PCC Votes
The Office of Civic Leadership Development is committed to providing students, staff, faculty, and community members with opportunities to engage with the democratic process by voting in local, state, and national elections.
Volunteer through GivePulse
Portland Community College has partnered with GivePulse, a community engagement platform designed with students in mind. Find volunteer opportunities and internships right in your community!
Students can use GivePulse to:
- Find opportunities for community engagement
- Track and share service hours/impacts
- Create a community engagement transcript for their resume/portfolio
To get started, head over to pcc.givepulse.com and log in using your MyPCC credentials.