Thanks to continued funding from the OHA, Oregon Health Authority, Portland Community College will increase our efforts to cultivate a more diverse, culturally proficient workforce in the addiction counseling field. This scholarship is focused on supporting students of color to obtain their Addiction Counseling degree.
Applications are currently being accepted within the program for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer 2022–2023. Please contact the grant coordinator Shawn Forde [opens in new window] or your Portland Community College academic advisor for more information.
Covers program-related tuition and fees for students seeking the Addiction Counseling Associates Degree – please note, this scholarship can only be used for tuition and fees of Addiction Counseling courses and does not cover general education or other prerequisites. Unused funds cannot be refunded to students.
Provides a pathway and resources for level 1 Alcohol and Drug Counseling registration (CADC-R).
Students need to meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for the scholarship.
Students must:
Be currently accepted in the Addiction Counseling program, and
Identify as a person of color and
The scholarship prioritizes students who identify as African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American or Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern.
Be pursuing one of the following:
Associate degree in Addiction Counseling.
Certificate in Addiction Counseling with an associate’s degree in another subject.
Care Oregon Friday Cohort Grant – Addiction Counseling
The program is generously supported by a grant from Care Oregon that is intended to increase equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging in Addiction Counseling services throughout the Portland tri-counties. The program is focused on providing the educational foundations for 20 individuals who identify as Black, African, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino/Latina, Asian, Middle Eastern, and/or another ethnicity or ancestral origin that is melanated and cultured.
Commit to earning their certification in Addiction Counseling from Portland Community College.
The scholarship prioritizes students who identify as African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx, Indigenous/Native American or Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander, and/or Middle Eastern.
This is a cohort-based program that requires all students to attend the same sequence of classes (and curriculum) taken on Fridays for a minimum of 5 consecutive terms.
Provides participants with the educational requirements to qualify as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I) through the Mental Health and Addiction Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
Offers the option for students to continue their education and complete the Addiction Studies certificate from PCC.
Intentionally designed cohort model with classes meeting one Friday per week from approximately 8am-6pm.
Program scholarship will support tuition for required program courses, the cost of textbooks, and college fees.
Program scholarship may financially support non-tuition needs that arise.
A dedicated cohort for program students for 5 terms, followed by an individualized educational plan based on student needs.
Mentoring and student support services are provided to all participants.
This is an in-person program offered at Cascade Campus (705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217).
Meet with their Academic Advisor to develop and review their academic plan.
Check in at least once per term with their Academic Advisor.
Meet with the Program Coordinator at least once per term.
Participate in program activities as agreed upon with the Program Coordinator.
Meet with a Career Specialist during the last 2 terms for resume development and interview preparation.
Meet with the college scholarship support team once admitted. Meeting with the scholarship support team will allow for this grant to serve more people entering the addiction counseling workforce.
Maintain good academic progress (maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 and pass all Addiction
Counseling classes with a C or better).
Be continuously enrolled in the program (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
Before applying for the Addiction Counseling Workforce Diversity Grant, you will need to:
Review the cohort schedule above. The grant program is designed for participants to attend all courses as a cohort and in the sequence listed above without exception.
Prepare your responses to the below questions in advance: More applicants apply than there are spots available in the grant program. Responses to these questions are an important factor used by program staff in determining which applications are awarded entry into the grant program.
Please identify two challenges (unrelated to COVID-19) you may encounter as you pursue your Addiction Counseling certificate. Also, what two core strengths do you lean on to get you through challenging times and how might these strengths help you to be successful in this program? (250 words minimum, 400 words maximum)
Things to consider: Attending college classes, completing assignments, and managing multiple deadlines alongside work, life, and family commitments can be a challenge for anyone. Think ahead to the challenges or barriers that may arise during your 2 years in this program that could get in the way of your success. Please write a detailed response to both parts of the question.
How has (have) your identity (ies) shaped and formed your perspectives, behaviors, and life goals? How do you think that your identity (ies) will serve other people as an Addiction Counselor? (250 words minimum, 400 words maximum)
Things to consider: Name your identity (ies) and write a detailed response to both parts of the question. We encourage you to consider the full range of identities including culture, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, ancestral origins and lineage, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, disability (ies), first-generation student, veteran status, and primary language, and more.
This application period opens June 1, 2023, and will close at the end of business day on June 30, 2023!
Disclaimer: The eligibility requirements for scholarships and grants listed on this page are determined by the funding organizations that provide them. Portland Community College administers these funds in accordance with the criteria set by the funding source. If you have questions about specific requirements or application processes, please refer to the scholarship details or contact the program office for guidance.
