• Program Overview

    The program is a partnership initiative between PCC, Portland State University (PSU), Portland Public Schools (PPS), and Beaverton School District (BSD). This is a scholarship/student support program with a special focus on recruiting individuals from historically underrepresented groups to the teaching profession. Applications for 2021-22 are currently open and will be accepted until September 5, 2021 for Fall Term. To receive application information,  today!

     

    PCC Graduation

     

    The partnership provides an affordable college pathway that enables more historically underrepresented students to become credentialed teachers and meet the urgent workforce needs in K-12 education. Building on the successful foundations of the Portland Teachers Program that began in 1989, this program is committed to social justice, equity in education, and the development of culturally-responsive teachers with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will start their careers in Portland and Beaverton public schools.

    PCC, PSU degree path

    The scholarships provide up to two years tuition-free at PCC. After successfully transferring to PSU, students would be provided tuition scholarships to complete their junior and senior years to earn their bachelor’s degree, and then scholarships to continue on to PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education Program to earn their master’s degree. After completing their degree and obtaining their teaching license, students will apply for a position at either PPS or BSD, and will commit to at least 3 years employment if hired. Scholarships are annually renewable, based on students meeting program requirements and available funding.

    What does it mean to be a part of the Teacher Scholarship Program?

    Beyond tuition scholarships, the program includes:

    • Additional advising and academic support resources.
    • Participation in a collaborative learning community and part of a supportive peer network. Students attend orientations, regularly scheduled workshops, and other program events.
    • Support for the entire degree path to earning a teaching license and starting a career in teaching.
    • Development of professional skills and access to mentoring from experienced educators while a student.
    • Leadership development and opportunities to gain deeper understanding of your own and others’ cultures and identities, antiracist and anti-bias practices, and knowledge of education equity work.
    • Upon successful completion of degree and teacher credentialing requirements, students will receive special consideration and support in the hiring process from PPS and BSD.

    Program eligibility

    Applicants must:

    • Be committed to a career in teaching.
    • Have volunteer or paid experience working with culturally/ethnically diverse youth.
    • Demonstrate a commitment to cross-cultural learning, and be an advocate for equity in education.
    • Be a resident of Oregon, and a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status or be a DACA recipient.
    • Be a high school graduate or have satisfactorily completed a high school equivalency exam.
    • Have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA at time of application. This will be the most current cumulative GPA if you have taken college courses; or your high school GPA if you have no college experience.
    • Have completed and submitted a  or . Financial need is considered in the selection process.
    • Not be in default on education loans.
    • Be enrolled or planning to enroll as a PCC student (students accepted in the program will need to be able to take a full-time student course load/minimum 12 credits per term).
    • Show readiness to be able to complete transfer credit requirements within two years at PCC in order to transfer to PSU as a junior. This means writing and math placement at course levels Writing 121 and Math 65 (or higher) based on , or high school transcripts from within the past 7 years, or PCC transcripts from within the last five years indicating grades of “B” or better in Writing 115 and Math 60.

    Once accepted in the program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, participate in required meetings and events, and meet all other requirements each term as defined in the student agreement in order to retain their scholarship and stay in the program.