Building on a successful partnership with the region’s community colleges, Portland State has landed a $7.9 million grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, a program of the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Labor.
The funds will extend the reach and scope of the Access, Connect, Complete, Engage (ACCE) program, which provides wraparound services to students who want to transfer from area community colleges to Portland State in the pursuit of a four-year degree and expanded career pathways.
The grant brings the total amount of federal funding directed to this program to nearly $16 million and further extends the regional community college partnership. What started in 2024 as a project with Clackamas and Mt Hood Community Colleges has expanded to include Portland Community College and, with this newest grant, now Chemeketa Community College.
“I am thrilled that we are in position to further deepen our partnerships with our regional community colleges and pave the way for more students to find a smooth pathway to transfer to PSU,” said PSU President Ann Cudd. “Our region deserves a robust higher education ecosystem that can support our economy and offer a variety of pathways for students to find the career of their dreams.”
ACCE is already a successful program having serviced more than 800 students with proactive coaching, advising, financial support while using data sharing and coordinated transfer pathways to ensure a seamless transition from community college, through PSU and into careers.
In addition to widening the program, the new grant introduces a stronger college-to-career component. Students will begin exploring careers and developing career plans while still at the community college, alongside clear program-level transfer and career maps that connect community college coursework to PSU degrees and employment.
“Community colleges are critical to higher education in our region, yet we know that too many students who want to transfer do not ultimately make that transition or earn a four-year degree. We can do better,” said Executive Director of Student Success at Portland State Andrea Garrity. “By working alongside our community college partners to create clearer pathways, provide support earlier, and connect transfer to meaningful career opportunities, we can help more students reach their goals. This investment allows us to build on what we know is working, strengthen our partnerships and improve student-centered transfer pathways.”
Garrity co-leads the project with Associate Vice Provost for Academic Advising Randi Petrauskas Harris.
The grant will support a dedicated career counselor and a role dedicated to developing employer partnerships. Each of the community colleges will receive funding for a half-time career coaching position.
In addition, a new Work-Based Learning Fund will help students access paid internships, projects, apprenticeships and other career-connected experiences.
“We are eager to continue to partner with our community college colleagues to enhance and grow the ACCE program to support transfer students with degree attainment and in achieving their career goals,” Harris said. “This initiative provides a vital opportunity to generate evidence-based insights into the institutional strategies that best facilitate seamless degree progress and sustainable career outcomes.”