PCC Lands Key Training Role In $1 Million Oregon Health Authority EMS Grant (Photo) - 04/21/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s health care system is facing persistent workforce shortages and growing pressure to deliver timely care across both urban and rural communities. In its 2025 statewide needs assessment, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) highlights ongoing challenges, including burnout, uneven access in rural areas, and barriers like transportation and childcare that can keep qualified workers from entering or staying in health care roles. 

To strengthen emergency response capacity statewide, Portland Community College has been awarded nearly $1 million through the Healthy Oregon Workforce Training Opportunity (HOWTO) Grant Program, supporting scholarships that will run through next fall. 

“This investment tackles one of Oregon’s most urgent health workforce needs: ensuring communities can count on trained emergency responders when seconds matter,” said PCC’s Dean for the Healthcare and Emergency Professions Pathway Janeen Hull. “By reducing financial barriers and providing wraparound support, we’re helping more Oregonians complete training and move into family-wage jobs that strengthen community health.”

Of the total funding, approximately $420,000 is dedicated to tuition and educational support in the form of scholarships paid directly to students, which will help 100 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) statewide continue training and earn certification. PCC’s EMS Program will train the majority of its assigned seats, roughly 21 to 30 new EMTs over the coming year, with cohorts currently enrolled for spring–summer (10 two-term students), and this fall (10 accelerated students). PCC had 10 second-term students enrolled during winter term.

The grant launches an EMS training pathway designed to advance health equity through recruitment and comprehensive student support. In addition to free tuition and fees, the pathway offers career coaching, outreach services, language assistance, transportation and childcare support, which is an approach aligned with OHA’s emphasis on addressing practical barriers that limit workforce participation. 

Key employer partners like Metro West Ambulance have committed to providing hands-on training and hiring opportunities for scholarship recipients, with eligible candidates potentially hired while still enrolled. Participating ambulance employers include Metro West Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Medix Ambulance Service, Woodburn Ambulance, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific West Ambulance, and Pioneer Ambulance. The program provides opportunities through June 30, 2027. 

PCC offers a 12-credit EMT certificate, completed either as two consecutive six-credit courses or through an accelerated fall option that delivers all 12 credits in one term. After completion, students are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and submit their credential for Oregon licensure. In 2024, 87% of PCC EMT students passed the NREMT exam and achieved state licensure, representing 253 newly credentialed EMTs from PCC that year.

PCC will provide OHA with program data including enrollment, retention, completion, exam readiness, NREMT pass rates, and Oregon licensure outcomes.

For more details on the college's Emergency Medical Services Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/emergency-medical/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC Reaches Tentative Deal With Its Faculty Union, Effectively Ending Nearly Three-week Strike - 03/30/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College and its Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (FFAP) have reached a tentative agreement, marking an end to a three-week strike that began March 11.

Thanks to this tentative agreement and possible ratification, PCC is planning for spring includes a condensed 10-week schedule, with most classes beginning on April 6. Only some classes are meeting this week, including non-credit Community Education classes and Professional Development and Training (PDT). This allows PCC to keep published start and end dates in place while supporting continuity for students.

The tentative agreement includes a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) this year and 3% for 2026-27. In addition, lump sum payments of $5,475 for full-time faculty, $5,000 for Academic Professionals and $1,400 for part-time faculty. The offer also provides doctoral pay for both faculty and APs and invests in part-time faculty pay equity by increasing the pay scale from 75% to 76%, a $600,000 commitment. APs will also get 40 vacation hours to cash out and no instructional days will be added. On health care, the proposal includes full coverage at the most common tier, a new option for college contributions to a Health Savings Account, and additional insurance contributions for part-time faculty. PCC has roughly 1,600 faculty and APs.

On March 25, the college reached a deal with the Federation of Classified Employees (FCE) union. In that deal, employees approved a 0% COLA for this year and 5% for 2026-27. Classified employees will also receive a $1,350 lump sum payment upon ratification of the agreement on the next payroll cycle and be able to cash out of up to 40 vacation hours. PCC has approximately 700 classified employees.

“This tentative agreement is an important step toward stability for PCC and the students we serve,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “We are pleased to be moving forward and refocusing on our core mission of educating students and serving our community.  At the same time, our hearts are heavy because we know that this agreement is so far outside of our budget that it will result in significant additional cuts in the future.”

PCC continues to face mounting fiscal pressures that threaten not only the college’s future, but also its contribution to Oregon’s economy. Like many colleges and universities across the state, PCC is confronting persistent structural budget challenges as it works to remain financially sustainable while continuing to meet the needs of students, employers, and the broader community.

That challenge carries real consequences. PCC serves more than 57,000 students each year across four campuses and ten centers, providing a critical pathway to education, workforce training, and economic mobility. Sixty percent of PCC students attend part-time while balancing jobs or family responsibilities, and two-thirds rely on financial aid. PCC plays an outsized role in opening doors for underserved students and preparing Oregonians for family-wage careers. When funding falls short, the risk is not just to programs and services on campus, but to the state’s ability to build a skilled workforce and sustain broad-based economic growth.

The College’s expenses outpaced revenues by $26 million last year. With revenues constrained and costs rising, PCC has already made $14.7 million in reductions to balance its 2025–27 biennium budget and is now facing an additional $21 million in cuts for the 2027–29 biennium. Long-term planning is made even more difficult by growing uncertainty around federal funding, creating further instability for institutions that Oregon depends on to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce development, and support long-term economic resilience. 

The stakes are high because PCC is far more than a college system, it is a major economic engine for the region and the state. A recent economic impact study found that PCC contributes $2.3 billion to the regional economy and supports 25,314 jobs. The same study found that students gain about $5.10 in higher future earnings for every $1 invested in their education. Across Oregon’s 17 community colleges, the impact is even greater: together they generate $9.6 billion in annual economic activity statewide and support roughly 118,000 jobs. Continued underinvestment in PCC and community colleges does not just strain campuses, it weakens Oregon’s workforce pipeline, limits economic opportunity, and puts at risk one of the state’s strongest returns on public investment.

“Higher education institutions across Oregon continue to face serious fiscal challenges,” Bennings added. “PCC is proud to play a vital role in creating opportunity, strengthening the workforce and supporting the regional and state economy, and it is important that we continue working together to ensure community colleges have the resources needed to sustain that impact.”

For complete details on the bargaining process and history, visit: https://www.pcc.edu/president/bargaining-updates/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC Sets Spring Schedule, Awaits Decision By Faculty Union - 03/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College is planning for spring term instruction to maintain a clear and reliable start. The college’s current approach is a slightly condensed 10-week schedule, with most classes beginning on April 6. This allows PCC to keep published start and end dates in place while supporting continuity for students.

Maintaining this approach depends on reaching an agreement with the Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (FFAP) and resuming normal operations by March 31. Because the situation is now so urgent, the college believes it is critically important to come together around a fair package and move forward in a way that provides stability for students and the future of PCC.

If delays extend past March 31, the college will have to restructure over 4,000 course sections, affecting faculty schedules and operational timelines. This would potentially prolong the spring term, creating a cascading effect for the next 4 terms.

Changes of this scale affect course availability, the number of sections ultimately offered, and the certainty of teaching assignments – particularly for part-time faculty whose schedules are determined term-by-term and who rely on consistent teaching opportunities each quarter.

In addition, current enrollment trends have already begun to shift during this period, with the college noting a 10% decline for the spring term attributed to the ongoing strike. This may further influence how many sections can be supported this spring and beyond. 

And if this strike results in another delay to the spring term, the uncertainty for students will likely force them to seek other educational options, leading to even lower enrollment, which translates directly into less revenue, program eliminations, and layoffs.

“The immediate and long-term impacts of this disruption are being felt across our community, particularly by students,” says Jennifer Ernst, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The way to reduce those impacts now is to come to a timely resolution and get our faculty back to instruction.”

The current package, shared below, returning to work comes with a one-time payment, and the sooner everyone returns, the sooner the increased salaries and other benefits become activated. 

Current College Offer to Faculty Union:

• 2% COLA in year 1

• 3% COLA in year 2

• One-Time lump sum payments for full-time faculty and Academic Professionals (prorated for PT academic professionals): $935

• One-Time lump sum payments for part-time faculty who taught in the 2025-26 year: $530

• 100% coverage for individual healthcare and 90%+ coverage for dependents and family members

For complete details on the bargaining process and history, visit: https://www.pcc.edu/president/bargaining-updates/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC, Classified Union Reach Tentative Agreement To End Strike - 03/25/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College and its Federation of Classified Employees (FCE) union have reached a tentative agreement, marking an important step toward stability for the college and its employees.

In summary, the agreement includes a 0% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for this year and 5% for 2026-27. Classified employees will also receive a $1,350 lump sum payment upon ratification of the agreement on the next payroll cycle and be able to cash out of up to 40 vacation hours. PCC has approximately 700 classified employees.

Bargaining with the Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (FFAP) continues and the college leadership feels a deal is also very close. A remaining topic under discussion is compensation related to strike time. As a publicly funded agency, PCC maintains that they will not spend tax dollars for people who do not provide the services for which they're compensated.

PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings said the agreement comes at a time of significant financial pressure for higher education institutions in Oregon and across the country. Rising costs, uncertainty around future state and federal funding, and enrollment declines following the COVID-19 pandemic have caused expenditures to significantly outpace revenue for many colleges and universities.

“We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in returning to the table and working toward a resolution,” said Bennings. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our classified union. This outcome reflects the value of continued dialogue and good-faith collaboration. It also underscores the ongoing challenge community colleges face in Oregon and across the nation, where state funding has not kept pace with the true cost of delivering high-quality instruction and the support students need to succeed.”

Bennings added that while the tentative agreement provides stability moving forward, PCC continues to face significant fiscal pressures. Like many colleges and universities across the state, the college is working to address ongoing structural budget challenges and ensure its long-term sustainability while continuing to serve students and the broader community.

With funding tight and costs rising, PCC recently made $14.7 million in reductions to balance the 2025–27 biennium budget and is facing an additional $21 million in reductions for the 2027–29 biennium. Long-term planning is further complicated by growing uncertainty around federal funding, adding another layer of instability for institutions that Oregonians rely on to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce development, and support long-term economic resilience.

Even amid these challenges, PCC remains a major economic driver for the region and the state. A recent economic impact study found that PCC adds $2.3 billion to the regional economy and supports 25,314 jobs. The same study found that students see about $5.10 in higher future earnings for every $1 invested in their education. Across Oregon’s 17 community colleges, the impact is even greater: together, they generate $9.6 billion in annual economic impact statewide and support roughly 118,000 jobs.

“Our focus now is to support our employees while protecting the long-term stability of the college and our ability to serve students,” Bennings said. “Most importantly, we are doing everything in our power to support students and keep their academic progress on track.”

For complete details on the bargaining process and history, visit: https://www.pcc.edu/president/bargaining-updates/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

Portland Community College Advances 5% COLA In Effort To Reach Agreement - 03/23/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College has formally advanced a revised compensation proposal to union leadership, as the faculty and classified strike enters its third week. 

The proposal includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the first year of the contract and a 3% COLA in the second year, along with increased contributions to employee healthcare plans. This brings the total COLA of the current PCC contract up to 19% across 4 years (PCC previously awarded compounding 6% and 8% COLAs, plus step increases). 

College leadership emphasized that this proposal reflects continued, significant movement by management at the bargaining table and a clear effort to balance support for employees with the College’s responsibility to students and long-term financial sustainability.

“We are optimistic about this competitive offer and eager to reach an agreement with both negotiation teams,” said PCC President Adrien Bennings. “Continuing to place our students in a prolonged state of uncertainty is untenable for their success.”

The advancement of this proposal comes at a critical time for the College. PCC is currently experiencing a 4.2% decline in student headcount and a 3.4% decline in full-time equivalent enrollment compared to this time last year. College leaders are also aware of students exploring transfer options due to uncertainty surrounding the spring term.

“The PCC team is working to reach an agreement that allows us to move forward together as an institution while ensuring students can continue their education without disruption,” said PCC Board of Director Gina Sanchez Roletto. “I’d expect and hope that students support their instructors during this time. Instructors and staff are the front line of education, and at the same time I hope the public is continuing to reach out to state legislators to continue advocacy for education funding.”

Due to PCC’s quarter-based academic calendar, prolonged uncertainty can have cascading impacts on registration timelines, financial aid disbursement, and student progress. If union leadership does not agree to this offer tonight, the College is prepared to explore options for delaying spring term to April 6.

“We believe there is still a path forward,” Bennings added. 

For complete details on the bargaining process and history, visit: https://www.pcc.edu/president/bargaining-updates/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.