This content was published: December 22, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Outside In project aims to give at-risk students a chance
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – Homeless or at-risk youth will get the helping hand they need to complete college thanks to a partnership between Portland Community College and Outside In. PCC will provide key support to Outside In’s College Quarters, a project that enhances success among at-risk youth in college or occupational training. The partnership is made possible thanks to a $115,000 grant from Worksystems Inc. Outside In is a social service agency dedicated to serving low-income adults and homeless youth. The college plans to provide campus-based support to the targeted students who are enrolled at the Sylvania Campus (12000 S.W. 49th Ave.). Outside In’s College Quarters project intends to increase success of the youth in college and help decrease the percentage of them who drop out after enrollment. "We’re very pleased to partner with Outside In on this important project," said Paul Hill, interim Sylvania Campus president. "This effort is perfectly aligned with our mission as a college and our values as a community." PCC will house a College Quarters advisor on campus and have access to college facilities and student support services. Outside In plans to enroll at least 20 youth and target at least 12 of them to succeed a 60 percent success rate. Success is measured by the youth completing a certificate, occupational training program or advancing in their academic degree. For more information on Outside In’s College Quarters project, call 503-535-3867.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »