Future Connect students posing as a group

Future Connect

$9 million goal
to provide Future Connect coaching and scholarships to 3,600 students

Why it’s time to think Future Connect first

$10.2 million

We raised $10.2 million of the $9 million goal!

Future Connect doubles the three-year community college completion rate compared to similar students who are not part of this nationally-recognized student success program.

Kien Truong

“Future Connect motivated me to work harder, so I could achieve my goals and give back to the community. It reminded me that someone believes in me, and that I need to work hard to overcome challenges and succeed.” Kien Truong, Future Connect Scholarship recipient, current Drexel University student

Future Connect changes lives

PCC’s Future Connect program is a personalized coaching and scholarship program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income. Future Connect eliminates barriers to college and helps students build pathways to their futures.

Administered through the PCC Foundation, this innovative program is supported by donors, the state of Oregon, and the cities of Portland, Beaverton and Hillsboro. In Multnomah County, less than 1/3 of high-school students will go on to college. Only 1/2 of those students will finish. In Washington County, 50% of all high school graduates never make it to college.

PCC’s Future Connect program is changing that. Independent research confirms significant improvement in college recruitment, retention, achievement and completion. And, students in the program love it – approximately 90% said the program helps them accomplish their career goals and has changed their lives.

This year, 1,140 students applied to Future Connect. However, only 325 could be accepted due to lack of program funding. With an investment of $2,500 per student each year, PCC can continue to ensure students don’t get left behind.

Future Connect currently benefits more than 900 students

90%

are low-income

64%

are from families whose income is less than $35,000 a year

80%

are first-generation college students

72%

are students of color

Future Connect makes college possible

77%

higher retention rate for Future Connect students returning for a second year of college, compared to less than 50% who persist nationally

2x

35% of Future Connect students finish in three years, twice as fast as a six-year, 33% national completion average

30%

increase in GPA by Future Connect students

66%

more credits taken by Future Connects during their first year than similar students

By changing one life, Future Connect benefits families for generations to come

Frank Flores at his PCC graduation

“Future Connect is a game changer for me and my family.” Frank Flores, Future Connect Scholarship recipient, current PCC student

Future Connect model

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Mentorship

Each student is assigned a Success Coach – the heart of Future Connect. Whether helping fill out financial aid forms or providing emotional support, Success Coaches motivate students to persist.

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Scholarship

Accepted Future Connect students receive an annual scholarship averaging $600 per student to PCC, based on financial need. This helps pay for tuition, fees and books.

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Peer support

Students enroll annually as a cohort of about 350 students who stay together through their time at PCC, creating a community where they feel a sense of belonging and connectedness.

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Success

35% of Future Connect students graduated in three years or less. This faster completion means a quicker pathway to the middle class and less student debt.

Help build the bridge to opportunity for students

The PCC Foundation’s first campaign, The Campaign for Opportunity, aims to raise $30 million to support students on their path to prosperity by providing resources that increase access and success.

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