Your Success Programs at Portland State

PSU Offers Unique Resources for First-Generation, BIPOC, and Low-Income Students

While college is an adventure, it can get overwhelming with classes, studying, co-curricular events and social activities. National research shows that first-generation and underserved, high potential students benefit from different kinds of culturally responsive practices. Our data show that students who participate in a cohort-based program are more likely to continue their studies at PSU. The following equity-based programs provide resources and support above and beyond the classroom to help you succeed.

Learn more about each program and the process to get connected.

These campus resources offer resources for academic success, ways to connect with faculty and staff, and support to tackle common problems many first-year and transfer students run into.

We have programs to help you succeed at every stage of your journey at Portland State — from before you arrive on campus, through your first year navigating classes and programs, to when you need that extra push to graduate.

Select a Program Type

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Cultural Retention & Multicultural Programs

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Scholarship Programs

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Academic-Specific Programs

Research & Internship Programs

Cultural Retention & Multicultural Programs

Culturally-centered Retention Programs

We offer four scholars programs dedicated to first generation,low-income students. Each program centers around experiences of different communities that include African & Black students, Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi students, Latino/a/x Students, and Indigenous and Alaskan Native students and offers:

Tuition discount of up to $3000 for your first year
Holistic advising and support in setting academic goals
Peer support through mentorship and cohort connection
Community-building through cultural and social events
Participation in Connect Program & College Success Course before fall term

ACCESS

Centers on the African/African-American/Black college culture and experience.

EMPOWER

Centers around Asian, Pacific Islander & Desi (APID) student experiences and culture.

GANAS

Centers the Latino/a/x culture and student experience.

NATIONS

Focuses on the Native American/Alaskan Native student experience and culture.

Learn More & Apply

PROSPER: Men of Color Initiative

PROSPER is an initiative that prioritizes supporting men of color in transformative and holistic development within Multicultural Student Services at Portland State University.

With the overall goal of increasing sense of belonging and supporting student persistence, the initiative strives to empower men of c

Contact Quinn Peoples

TRIO

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a college retention and graduation program for undergraduate students, which helps them develop the academic skills and personal development necessary to successfully pursue and complete their first Bachelor's degree. Students accepted into TRIO Student Support Services will be a part of the program until they graduate from Portland State.

Learn More & Apply

Guided Pathways to Success (GPS)

The Guided Pathways to Success (GPS) program is specifically tailored to support first-generation, low-income, and/or BIPOC first year students. This initiative equips participants with essential resources to effectively navigate their academic journey at PSU and provides the necessary tools and support systems to excel in their college experience and in their future endeavors. Students will develop a heightened sense of belonging, connection, and engagement within the PSU community. To learn more about the program contact Emanuel Magana at emagana@pdx.edu.

Submit GPS Interest Form

Scholarship Programs

Diversity Scholars Program

Diversity Scholarship recipients will share their unique strengths and diverse perspectives through their involvement in on-campus activities, in the classroom, and through their participation in community service. The Diversity Scholarship is a renewable tuition-remission credit in the amount of 12 undergraduate credits at the resident tuition rate excluding fees (actual amount varies).

Learn More

Presidential Equal Access Scholarship

The Presidential Equal Access Scholarship supports students from diverse backgrounds and experiences that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. In addition to providing financial assistance of up to $1500, the scholarship also helps students by facilitating student engagement and opportunities for service learning and campus involvement.

Apply through the PSU Scholarship Application.

TheDream.US National Scholarship

TheDream.US is the nation’s largest scholarship for DACAmented and undocumented students. Scholars receive up to $33,000 covering tuition and fees, a $500 book and supply stipend, and 1:1 support from a scholar advisor to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. Students have access to TheDream.US Scholar network, where they can connect with peers across the U.S. to build community, network, and access the collective knowledge of others with a shared immigration experience.

Learn More & Apply

Academic-Specific Programs

Atmos

The Atmos program supports diverse and underrepresented undergraduate business students of color and is a promise of academic, career, and community support to help create an avenue for a brighter future.

Learn More

IGNITE

Pre-health students mentor incoming peer students. Students gain leadership and mentorship skills (supported by a $5,000 scholarship). IGNITE offers a culture of support and community, which is particularly important in clinical healthcare career pathways.

Learn More

SPARK

The SPARK program is designed for incoming students to the Maseeh College who come from underrepresented backgrounds. Through mentorship, workshops, and community-building activities, SPARK provides a supportive foundation for students in their first year at the Maseeh College.

Learn More

Research & Internship Programs

ISS Climate Internships

LSAMP-ISS Resilience Internship program links minoritized PSU students with paid internships focused on climate resilience, water resources, and disaster preparedness each academic year.

LSAMP

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program at Portland State is a National Science Foundation (NSF) supported program that supports the academic success of historically excluded students in STEM. Students of color to build their academic and technical skill sets through paid research experiences.

McNair Scholars Program

The PSU McNair Scholars Program works with selected first-generation, low-income and underrepresented undergraduates who want to pursue PhDs. McNair scholars conduct research under the supervision of faculty mentors and create effective strategies for getting into and graduating from doctoral programs.

U-RISE

U-RISE (Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement) offers long-term funded research placements at OHSU and mentorship and professional development opportunities to students historically underrepresented in biomedical research careers.

URMP

URMP (Undergraduate Research & Mentoring Program) funds undergraduate research for students majoring in all Maseeh College undergraduate disciplines. Students learn how to conduct research and work with a faculty mentor on exciting research projects.

EAGLES

The EAGLES Program is a collaboration between Portland State University and Heritage University designed to guide and support scholars through their academic journey. Scholars receive financial assistance, advising, mentoring, and research opportunities to achieve graduation. Scholars earn degrees in STEM.