Student Success

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ACCE Program: Student Information

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The ACCE Program

The Access, Connect, Complete, Engage (ACCE) program is a PSU partnership with Clackamas Community College (CCC), Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), and Portland Community College (PCC) that helps transfer students succeed. ACCE offers free coaching, financial support, and  resources throughout college.

ACCE Emergency Fund to Open Summer Term, 2026

The ACCE Emergency Fund assists students facing unexpected financial crises that threaten their education. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and will open this Summer term, 2026.

  • Award Amounts: $100 – $1,000 (Limit one application per term).
  • What it Covers: Unexpected emergencies like accidents, food/housing insecurity, illness, childcare, transportation, or technology needs. (Note: Cannot be used for tuition or fees).

Eligibility

You must be:

  1. Enrolled in at least one credit at MHCC, CCC, or PCC.
  2. Co-admitted to Portland State University. (Need to co-admit? Ask your ACCE coach!)

Important Application Notes

  • Financial Aid: If receiving these funds would negatively impact your federal financial aid package, you may be ineligible and unable to access the application link. If you are blocked, please email acce@pdx.edu for alternative assistance.
  • Privacy: Citizenship data collected is for internal use only and never shared with third parties. However, please be aware that standard digital privacy risks apply.

Questions? Reach out to your ACCE coach or email ACCE@pdx.edu.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ACCE Program?

The ACCE Program is dedicated to transforming the transfer experience for community college students. With a $7.8 million grant from the Department of Education, ACCE will serve 2,000 underserved students from Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), Clackamas Community College (CCC), and Portland Community College (PCC) over the next four years. Our goal is to increase the number of students who successfully transfer to Portland State University (PSU) or other four-year institutions and complete their bachelor’s degrees.

Why ACCE?

The path from community college to a four-year degree is filled with challenges. Although 80% of community college students aspire to transfer, only 30% actually do, and just 15% earn their degree. The ACCE Program rethinks how we support transfer students.

What’s in it for You?

  • Personalized Coaching & Advising – Get one-on-one guidance to navigate transfer pathways and future planning.
  • Financial Support & Resources – Access financial support and assistance in removing barriers to affordability.
  • Proactive & Wrap-Around Services – Receive early and sustained assistance to stay on track.
  • Data-Driven Solutions – Benefit from institutional collaboration to improve transfer success and degree completion.

Who Can Apply?

ACCE is open to first year MHCC, CCC, and PCC students who plan to transfer or explore transferring to PSU or another four-year institution and are in an eligible transfer program. If you're looking for personalized support, financial guidance, and a structured pathway to a bachelor's degree, this program is for you! Check your community college email to see if you qualify*

Our Impact Goals

ACCE is committed to measurable outcomes that will improve transfer success, degree completion, and student well-being. Over four years, we aim to:

  • 🎓 Increase Transfer Rates: Support 2,000 students in successfully transferring to PSU or other four-year institutions.
  • 💰 Enhance Financial Accessibility: Reduce financial barriers for community college students transitioning to a bachelor’s program.
  • 📈 Boost Student Persistence & Graduation: Ensure students stay enrolled, persist in their studies, and complete their degrees.
  • 🤝 Strengthen Institutional Collaboration: Develop sustainable data-sharing and advising systems between CCC, MHCC, and PSU to create a seamless transfer process.

Student Benefits 

Resources, support, clarity, and belonging described

Meet our ACCE Student Success Coaches!

Lana

Lana Chenoweth, Portland Community College

Hi! I'm Lana Chenoweth, your ACCE transfer Coach at PCC. As a first-gen student with a BA/MA, I know this journey can be overwhelming. I'll help you create your transfer plan, connect you with PCC resources, and support your goals. I enjoy running, reading, the outdoors, and my pup, Winston!

Contact Information
Anthony Yamashiro

Anthony Yamashiro, Portland Community College

Hello! I'm Yama (he/him) and I’ll be at PCC! My experience comes from community organizing, empowering youth and students here in Portland. I graduated as a first-gen college student from Pacific University with a BA (Film & Video Prod). My hobbies are hoops, photo walks, and chillin' with my cat, Billie!

Contact Information
Makayla Meinhardt

Makayla Meinhardt, Clackamas Community College

Hi! I'm Makayla, and I love helping transfer students. I recently moved to the PNW from Birmingham, where I recruited transfers for The University of Alabama. With a BA/MA in Communication, I focus on clear guidance. My goal is to smooth out the bumps of transfer life so you can focus on your degree.

Contact Information
Sabrina Evans

Sabrina Evans, Clackamas Community College

Hi! I’m Sabrina Evans (she/her). With a BA in English/Communication and an MEd in Adult/Higher Education, I’m passionate about advocacy and clear communication to help you navigate resources and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. In my free time, I enjoy DJing, dancing, and snuggling my cat, Salem!

Contact Information
Jackie 2

Jackie Mayorga-Rivera, Mt. Hood Community College

Hi! I'm Jacqueline, a first-gen student getting my MSW at PSU. With a BA from UO in Sociology/Int'l Studies/Spanish, I strongly value social justice and service. I have years of experience empowering K-12/higher-ed students. Find me trying new restaurants, walking my corgis, or watching One Piece!

Contact Information
Brenna Coleman

Brenna Coleman, Mt. Hood Community College

Hi! I’m Brenna, an ACCE Coach at MHCC. I recently relocated from Salt Lake City where I worked as an academic advisor at the University of Utah. As a first-gen transfer student myself, I love working with transfer students throughout their academic journey. I enjoy live music, being outdoors, and reading!

Contact Information

QUESTIONS?

Contact our ACCE Program email account at acce@pdx.edu

Contact our ACCE Program Director Delaney Ybarra at delaney8@pdx.edu

Photo of Delaney Ybarra
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