Oregonians Are Invited to Share Input on What Creates a Sense of Belonging in Postsecondary Programs
The HECC is pleased to announce an opportunity for Oregonians to share input about what could help create a sense of belonging for students at Oregon college, university, and training programs and settings. The HECC is partnering with Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT)—a statewide community engagement initiative—to hear directly from current, recent, and future students and learners, as well as community members who support learners, about what could help create a sense of belonging in learning settings after high school. The HECC and Oregon’s Kitchen Table are gathering input through an online survey and conversations now through May 27, 2026.
Additional information about the initiative can be found in a press release sent out earlier this month. We are looking forward to hearing what Oregonians have to share. Thank you for all that you do to support learners in your community and across the state.
Oregon Opportunity Grant-
Awarding Update
OSAC is excited to announce that eligible students who submitted their 2026–27 FAFSA or ORSAA by March 15, 2026 and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less have been authorized for the Oregon Opportunity Grant. Students who are authorized for an award for the 2026–27 academic year have been sent an email from the Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOGAward@hecc.oregon.gov).
March 15, 2026 is a tentative cutoff date for the year. Information about any future cutoff dates will be posted on our website.
Authorized students must meet all requirements below to receive the grant beginning in Fall 2026:
- Enroll starting Fall 2026 semester/quarter to secure your grant for the academic year. If you are unable to enroll in Fall 2026 due to a significant hardship, please notify your college financial aid office to determine whether you may qualify for an enrollment waiver.
- Complete any additional forms or requests from your school promptly, or your grant may be cancelled. If you are selected for FAFSA verification, you must complete this process with your school.
- Attend an eligible Oregon college or university (view list on our website), and make sure your school is listed on your FAFSA or ORSAA before the term begins.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards at your school.
Additional information about the Oregon Opportunity Grant, including eligibility requirements, is available on the OSAC website.
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Oregon Promise Grant- Awarding Update
OSAC will begin the awarding process for the Oregon Promise Grant in the coming weeks. This year, due to the current service-level budget for the Oregon Promise Grant, OSAC will be setting a tentative Student Aid Index (SAI) limit for Class of 2026 students. The initial tentative SAI limit will be determined in May.
The Oregon Legislature determines the budget for the Oregon Promise Grant every two years, and the program must operate within that budget. When there is high demand and a high volume of applications, the HECC may exercise its authority to set an SAI limit for new applicants.
We anticipate that the finalized SAI limit for the 2026–27 academic year will be determined in July. Additional information about the Oregon Promise Grant is available on our website.
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Support for SB3
Oregon Department of Education and OSAC Joint Webinar
As Oregon transitions to implementing the new diploma requirements under Senate Bill 3, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) are committed to providing the career and college readiness resources districts need to succeed.
On May 14th from 3:45–5:15 p.m., ODE and OSAC will host a webinar to share information and resources related to the Higher Education Career Pathways course, a component of Senate Bill 3 passed in 2024. We invite you to join us and learn more about how we can support you in implementing these standards.
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