Gabby Garcia maintains pathways to degrees for Future Connect students
Photos and story by James Hill
Gabby Garcia knows all about what her students are going through in the Future Connect Program, which assists under-served students with support, coaching and academic guidance.
The Newberg native was a first-generation and low-income student herself when she went to Oregon State University. Garcia has worked as an academic advisor in the College Assistance Migrant Program before joining Future Connect in 2023. Prior to joining PCC, she earned a master’s degree in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University where she worked as an academic advisor. This journey made an impact.
Garcia earned a master’s degree in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University.
“My passion has always been to support students from first-generation, low-income, and marginalized backgrounds on their academic journeys. It’s a background I share with many of my students,” she said.
Now, she assists with Future Connect alums who are part of the program’s Next Step Scholarship. This scholarship offers students exclusive access to transfer opportunities with full scholarships to partner institutions Pacific and Linfield universities, as well as Lewis & Clark College.
Tell us about the Next Step Scholarship and its importance?
Gabby Garcia: The Next Step Scholarships have had a profound and transformative impact on our students’ lives. Many Future Connect students, upon graduating from high school, found that PCC was their primary choice due to financial constraints, proximity to home, or feeling of unpreparedness for a four-year college. This scholarship marks a crucial moment, opening the doors to private four-year institutions that may have once seemed financially out of reach. By alleviating significant financial burdens and adding academic support, the scholarship empowers students to fully dedicate themselves to their academic journeys without the constant worry of tuition costs.
When did the Next Step Scholarship begin?
Garcia: Each institution established the Next Step Scholarship agreement with Future Connect at different times – Lewis & Clark College (2012), Pacific University (2013) and Linfield University (2018). These partnerships have paved the way for amazing opportunities, offering the financial backing our students need to succeed at these private universities. Most recently, Linfield University expanded their 2024 Memorandum of Understanding to include students pursuing a nursing degree located on the Portland campus, along with two additional programs: CAMP and TRiO students at PCC.
How many Future Connect students can PCC send to each institution?
Garcia: We’re grateful for our partner institutions’ support in providing these opportunities – Pacific University offers up to three full-tuition Next Step Scholarships, and Linfield University offers up to five. Lewis & Clark College also offers up to five full-tuition scholarships as well.
How many students have taken advantage of these opportunities?
Garcia: Many of our students transfer to these partner schools each year, both with the Next Step Scholarship and without. Prior to 2016, Future Connect did not have a transfer specialist. The numbers of students who have transferred with a Next Step Scholarship to each institution from 2016 to 2024 include:
- Pacific University: 28 students
- Linfield University: 22 students
- Lewis & Clark College: 11 students
What is the average scholarship?
Garcia: The Next Step Scholarships offer significant financial assistance by covering full tuition for eligible students applying to Pacific University, Linfield University and Lewis & Clark College. On average, students receive between $35,000 to $68,000 annually through institutional scholarships, merit-based scholarships and grants. In addition to these awards, students also receive need-based aid through FAFSA or ORSAA. Linfield University offers scholars a 50% stipend for on-campus housing at their McMinnville campus, in addition to institutional scholarships and grants.
What impact does becoming a Next Step Scholar have on these students?
Garcia: Personally, I’ve witnessed how it instills confidence and fuels motivation among students, affirming their hard work and potential. Our scholars recognize that our partners value their presence at their institution and appreciate the cultural capital they bring to these campuses. The impact extends beyond just the students; it also positively affects their families, who have been their biggest cheerleaders, creating positive ripple effects within their communities
Beyond academics, the scholarship opens doors to personal growth and new experiences, like studying abroad, which were once seen as unattainable. These transformations highlight the essential role of financial aid in making education accessible and empowering students to fulfill their dreams. Our partner institutions recognize and embrace the diversity and unique strengths of our students, creating welcoming environments where every student can thrive. This holistic support from coaching and transfer support to campus visits and full-tuition scholarships ensures access to bachelor’s degrees and beyond, completing the full circle of support our students need.
Thank you, Gabby!
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 »