PSU Secures $7.9 Million to Boost Transfer Student Success and Career Access

For many students, the journey to a four-year degree begins at a community college, offering an accessible and often more affordable entry point into higher education. However, navigating the transfer process and connecting that academic path to a fulfilling career can present significant challenges. Portland State University (PSU) in Portland, Oregon, is addressing these hurdles head-on with a substantial new investment in its Access, Connect, Complete, Engage (ACCE) program, designed to support transfer students from regional community colleges all the way to career entry.

According to Portland State University, the institution has secured a $7.9 million grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, a joint program of the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Labor. This funding extends the reach and scope of the ACCE program, which provides comprehensive services to students transferring from area community colleges to PSU. This latest grant brings the total federal funding for the program to nearly $16 million, underscoring a continued commitment to regional educational partnerships.

Expanding Pathways from Community College to University

The ACCE program, which began in 2024 with Clackamas and Mt Hood Community Colleges, has steadily grown. It later incorporated Portland Community College and, with this new grant, now includes Chemeketa Community College. This expansion means more students across the region will benefit from the program's offerings.

PSU President Ann Cudd expressed enthusiasm for deepening these partnerships, stating that they pave the way for more students to experience a smooth transfer to PSU. She highlighted the importance of a robust higher education ecosystem that supports the regional economy and offers diverse pathways for students to achieve their career aspirations.

The program's success is already evident, having served over 800 students with proactive coaching, advising, and financial support. A key element of ACCE's strategy is the use of data sharing and coordinated transfer pathways, which aim to ensure a seamless transition from community college, through PSU, and into careers.

Integrating Career Exploration Early On

One of the most significant enhancements introduced by the new grant is a stronger college-to-career component. Traditionally, career planning might begin later in a student's university journey. However, the expanded ACCE program will encourage students to start exploring careers and developing career plans while they are still enrolled at a community college.

This early engagement is supported by clear program-level transfer and career maps, which according to PSU, will explicitly connect community college coursework to specific PSU degrees and potential employment opportunities. This integrated approach aims to provide students with a clearer vision of their academic journey's ultimate purpose and how it aligns with their professional goals.

Andrea Garrity, Executive Director of Student Success at Portland State and co-leader of the project, emphasized the critical role of community colleges in the region's higher education landscape. She noted that too many students who aspire to transfer do not ultimately make that transition or earn a four-year degree. By working closely with community college partners to create clearer pathways, provide support earlier, and connect transfer directly to meaningful career opportunities, PSU aims to help more students achieve their goals. This investment, she stated, allows the university to build on successful strategies, strengthen partnerships, and improve student-centered transfer pathways.

Practical Support for Students and Educators

The grant provides tangible resources to support this enhanced focus on career readiness. It will fund a dedicated career counselor at PSU and a role specifically tasked with developing employer partnerships. Additionally, each of the participating community colleges will receive funding for a half-time career coaching position, ensuring that students have access to guidance at their initial institution.

A new Work-Based Learning Fund is also a key feature, designed to help students access paid internships, projects, apprenticeships, and other career-connected experiences. These practical opportunities are invaluable for building skills, gaining real-world experience, and making professional connections, all of which are crucial for successful career entry.

Associate Vice Provost for Academic Advising Randi Petrauskas Harris, who co-leads the project with Garrity, highlighted the initiative's vital opportunity to generate evidence-based insights into institutional strategies that best facilitate seamless degree progress and sustainable career outcomes. For educators, this means the program could offer valuable models for supporting transfer students across other institutions.

For students, this means more personalized guidance and resources to navigate their academic and career paths. Families can take comfort in knowing that their students will have access to comprehensive support systems designed to not only facilitate academic transfer but also to directly link their education to future employment. For those looking for additional academic support, platforms like COSMIQ offer free voice-driven AI tutoring, providing K-12 students with personalized help across subjects, which can be particularly useful for foundational learning before and during community college coursework. Students preparing for next steps can also find resources like the exam prep directory for various standardized tests.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Educational Ecosystem

The $7.9 million grant secured by Portland State University represents more than just funding; it signifies a strategic investment in creating a more connected and supportive educational ecosystem for the region. By focusing on early career exploration, clear transfer pathways, and practical work-based learning opportunities, PSU and its community college partners are working to ensure that more students can successfully transition from community college to a four-year degree and, ultimately, into meaningful careers. This collaborative effort not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the workforce and economy of the broader community.