Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (July 12, 2023)
Page 2 July 12, 2023 PCC Earns Grant for Basic Needs Services U.S. Department of Ed funding will allow the college to focus on student mental health, housing support Oregon college students face high levels of basic needs inse- curity. Many students struggle to afford food and housing, utili- ties, transportation and childcare while pursuing their education and working towards careers that will pay them a living wage. The wrap-around services provided by community colleges, and the abil- ity to connect students to services, are critical to meeting those needs. As a result, Portland Commu- nity College has been awarded an $867,839 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Basic Needs for Postsecondary Stu- dents Program. This grant will span the next three years, begin- ning on Sept. 1. It will focus on Student Tin Lee takes advantage of a PCC Foundation free laptop donation. student mental health, housing support, increased promotion of basic needs resources, and trau- ma-informed care training for PCC staff and faculty. “These grant funds could not have come sooner for our stu- dents and will improve awareness and access to basic needs support at the college, with the intention- al focus on mental health and housing,” said Lauren Smith, executive dean of PCC’s Student Belonging & Wellbeing. “The Are you Looking for more MONEY for more ADVENTURES? Reward yourself in cash every month with iQ Credit Union’s legendary Intelligent Checking account. It’s easy to earn No monthly maintenance fee No minimum balance Cash back on non-iQ ATM fees (Up to $25/month**) More to explore at iQcu.com/intelligent-checking INSURED BY NCUA *APY = annual percentage yield. Rate good as of June 1, 2023. All rates subject to change. No monthly fee. To earn the Intelligent Checking rate of 5.25% APY on balances up to and including $25,000, and 0.25% APY on balances over $25,000, you must meet the following monthly requirements: twelve (12) debit or credit card transactions; direct deposit of $100 or more per month, log in to online banking at least once per month; and receive e-Statements. If account requirements are not met, the non-qualifying rate will be 0.05% APY. New accounts will receive the qualifying dividend rate for the first statement cycle. Existing accounts converted to Intelligent Checking may qualify to receive the qualifying dividend rate beginning on the first day of the month following the month in which the account is converted. All requirements must be met with transactions posted and cleared by the close of business on the day before the last day of the month. ATM transactions do not count toward the 12 debit card transactions. Dividend paid on the last day of the month in which it is earned. Qualifiers must all be on the same account. **Only accounts that meet the Intelligent Checking criteria are eligible for the $25 ATM fee refund. Visit www.iQcu.com for details about how the ATM fee refund is calculated and other limitations. trauma-informed care training for staff and faculty will be the perfect complement to this addi- tional support, and will include an emphasis on holistic wellbeing and enhancements to the way we identify, refer, and serve students who may be experiencing basic needs insecurity in any area.” PCC’s project will be used to address both the housing and mental health needs of students. A housing navigator will be hired to assess the need, coordinate the college’s response to the hous- ing crisis, liaise with communi- ty-based organizations and hous- ing providers, and help connect students with resources available in the community. Funding will also be used to hire a mental health provider, who will oversee evaluations for students in need of a formal diagnosis in order to qualify for services with external providers. This will fill a large gap in PCC’s counseling services while also al- leviating the caseload of existing counselors by referring students who are in need of more com- plex mental healthcare than the college can provide. Finally, the grant will allow for the training of PCC employees about trau- ma-informed approaches to iden- tify and support students with ba- sic needs insecurity. Continued on Page 8
