Alum Spotlight: Candice Bland finds her academic and career calling at PCC
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by James Hill.
Candice Bland was a PCC Foundation Rose Scholar and an Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium scholarship winner.
Candice Bland had been a high school drop out and, while never homeless, she struggled with housing insecurity in a home with one bathroom and eight people. Sometimes utilities got turned off due to lack of payment.
When she would walk by Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus, the possibility of attending college felt out of reach. Yet, in time, she not only graduated in 2018 but became a PCC Foundation Rose Scholar, an Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium scholarship winner and fellowship recipient at Portland State University where she graduated with honors.
Last fall, Bland took the next big step in her journey, earning a full-ride, highly prestigious McNair Fellowship to work on her master’s degree in Education Policy at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She was attracted to George Washington’s 14,000-strong graduate student community and the opportunity to study in the heart of the nation’s capital.
“Community is important to me, and I know I’ll find my people at GW,” said Bland, who added that she is excited to expand her network among law, medical and policy students.
Bland with Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline.
Dream Becomes Reality
Her connection to Washington, D.C., is deeply personal. Through an opportunity at PCC, she participated in an alternative 2018 spring break trip where she lobbied members of Congress. The experience was life-altering, sparking a six-year dream of living and studying in the capital. Now, with a signed lease in the 20002 ZIP code, Bland is bringing that dream to life.
Bland’s journey began with her GED, which she earned at PCC on her 22nd birthday. Growing up in a challenging environment, she had dropped out of high school and spent years believing higher education was not for her. But PCC offered a second chance.
“PCC changed my life,” she said. “When I started GED classes, I was welcomed with open arms by staff and faculty. That gave me the confidence and hope to pursue my dreams.”
She served as a college success coach with AmeriCorps.
After earning two associate degrees from PCC, Bland transferred to PSU where she graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Physics. Along the way, she was guided and inspired by supportive mentors like PCC math professor Scot Leavitt, who encouraged her to pursue mathematics and wrote countless recommendation letters on her behalf.
“Scot changed the trajectory of my life for the better,” she said.
Paying It Forward
Last year, Bland served as a college success coach with College Possible, an AmeriCorps program. She worked with low-income, first-generation students, helping them navigate the complexities of higher education — from FAFSA applications to scholarship essays.
“It’s been eye-opening to see the barriers these students face,” she said. “I’ve tried my best to help them succeed and show them that PCC is a place to turn dreams into reality.”
Her experience with College Possible has reinforced her passion for education policy.
“I want to analyze educational policy, identify problems and offer tangible solutions to improve the system,” she explained.
Bland is particularly inspired by Oregon’s educational challenges and hopes to bring her knowledge back to the Pacific Northwest after completing her graduate program.
Bland’s formula for success has led her to George Washington University.
Community and Empowerment
Bland credits much of her success to the supportive communities and financial backing she’s found along the way. From GED instructors like Joe Urbina to former PCC Foundation scholarship mentor Jennifer McBratney, each person played a pivotal role in her journey.
“It was my community that helped me get this far,” Bland said. “I already know that in 2026, I’ll cross GW’s stage wearing a PCC stole of gratitude, dedicated to the mentors who believed in me.”
McBratney, who is now PCC’s Career Pathways and STEP Manager, shared her fond memories.
“Candice dedicated a ton of time to applying for scholarships, no matter what size,” McBratney said. “She took opportunities that came her way. And she studied hard.”
Bland’s advice to current students?
“Find your community,” she said. “Find your people. Cheer yourself on, cheer your friends on, and seek out those who support your dreams. If you don’t believe in yourself, find someone who will believe in you.”
As she settles into D.C., Bland can reflect on the hurdles she’s overcome, including financial struggles and self-doubt. Her determination and the unwavering support of her mentors have brought her to this point. While the move was daunting, she remains optimistic.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “I know everything will work out in the end. If I can just get through this snow storm we’re having.”