ACCE Program: Student Information

ACCE is Now Accepting Applications!

We are currently accepting student applications for the ACCE program! If you are a community college student who has ever thought about earning a Bachelor's degree, you may be eligible to join this program. Participants receive $250 a term in gift card incentives, free coaching, and access to PSU resources! Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this new program. Click the link below to check the eligibility and apply! Or you can copy and paste this link: https://forms.gle/PykzuxCwLkR1bbd16

*Please note, because this is a research program, selection will be completely randomized.

Apply Here!

Exciting Update: PCC Joins ACCE!

Portland Community College (PCC), has officially joined the ACCE program! This means we are currently accepting PCC student applications. We are thrilled to offer our coaching services to PCC students! Go Panthers!

Attend an ACCE Information Session!

While we are accepting applications until February 27th we are hosting biweekly information sessions to answer all of your questions! If you would like to meet one of our fabulous ACCE coaches, learn more about the program, or have any other questions about transferring, please stop by. We'd love to meet you! You can attend using this link: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/82872452346

ACCE information session zoom link information

Click here to attend a session!

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.

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 Chenoweth, Clackamas Community College

Hi! I'm Lana Chenoweth, your ACCE transfer Coach at CCC. 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 CCC resources, and support your goals. I enjoy running, reading, the outdoors, and my pup, Winston!

Contact Information

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

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

Amy Siever, Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, and Portland State

As your Transfer Coach, I'll create a personalized plan to meet your goals! I recently moved from Austin, TX, where I was an Academic Advisor at UT. I love connecting students with resources. I've served at MATC, Ball State, and UWM (where I earned my M.S.). Find me reading, gaming, or hiking with my dog!

Contact Information

QUESTIONS?

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

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

Learn More About ACCE Program Updates

Program Updates