Expanding GED® Testing Access Across Oregon 

Over the past several months, Stephanie White, State GED Administrator, has visited education programs and testing centers across Oregon to learn more about local successes, discuss program needs, and explore opportunities to strengthen GED® testing infrastructure statewide. 

These collaborative conversations have already led to exciting progress in expanding testing access for learners and communities. Lane Community College has increased GED® testing availability to four days per week, while Umpqua Community College is helping lead innovative efforts around mobile testing opportunities. Together, these initiatives are helping make GED® testing more accessible and flexible for Oregonians across the state. 

Programs interested in exploring testing expansion opportunities for their community are encouraged to connect with Stephanie White at stephanie.white@hecc.oregon.gov 

Oregonians Are Invited to Share Input on What Creates a Sense of Belonging in Postsecondary Programs - Please Share This Opportunity! 

In a recent press release, 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 program—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. 

• Complete the online survey: What Helps Create a Sense of Belonging in Oregon College and Training Programs? The survey is available in English, French, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese, and is open through May 27, 2026. 

• Consider organizing a conversation: Oregonians are welcome to share their input by hosting a conversation with their community about belonging. OKT has created the Kitchen Table Conversation Guide, and anyone interested may contact OKT at info@oregonskitchentable.org or (503) 725-5248 for support in hosting a discussion. 

Eligible Class of 2026 Students Awarded Oregon Promise 

March 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 Graduates 

Oregon Promise awarding has begun for Class of 2026 applicants. There is a tentative Student Aid Index (SAI) limit of 18,000 for new applicants (Class of 2026) -- this means eligible students below the SAI limit will be awarded. Students who have an SAI at or above 18,000 are in a PENDING status. In July 2026, a final decision will be made if the SAI limit will be adjusted or finalized, based on total applicants and available funds. Most students must apply by JUNE 1. Please visit Oregon Promise FAQs for all details and read the Oregon Promise Fact Sheets:  

• Fact Sheet for New Students and Families 

• General Fact Sheet 

OSAC has begun sending award notification emails to new Oregon Promise applicants. Application review and awarding will continue each week until the deadline. Please share these tips with students: 

How can students check their Oregon Promise status? What if they are not receiving emails from OSAC? 

• Log in to the OSAC Student Portal to view your Oregon Promise status. In the Portal, click "Messages" to view all emails that OSAC has sent you. 

• Students can also click "Awards" within their OSAC Student Portal to view their award amounts per college and read all requirements to be eligible Fall Term. 

• Check the Spam/Junk folder in your email account on a regular basis to catch any missed messages. You should also add OregonPromise@hecc.oregon.gov to your email account's Safe Senders list. 

Can Class of 2026 students still apply for Oregon Promise?  

• YES! High school students who graduate between March 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 have until JUNE 1, 2026 to submit both the Oregon Promise Grant application AND the 2026-27 FAFSAA or ORSAA. Regardless of SAI, all students must apply by their deadline to be considered for the grant. View the full OPG deadline chart online.   

• GED test graduates between March 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 have until July 10 to submit both their Oregon Promise Grant application AND the 2026-27 FAFSA or ORSAA. 

When will current college students be notified about their Oregon Promise Grant renewal? 

• Current Oregon Promise Grant recipients will receive their renewal eligibility notifications in June - this is because we must receive their Spring term enrollment data. To be considered for renewal, students must submit their 2025-26 FAFSA or ORSAA by JUNE 1 and meet all requirements. 

Financial Aid Updates: Learn More at OregonStudentAid.gov 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program:  The 2026-2027 Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program application for current and former foster youth is now open! Visit our application eligibility requirements and submit an application.  

FAFSA and ORSAA: The 2026-27 FAFSA and ORSAA are open. Visit our FAFSA/ORSAA pages to learn how to prepare and apply.  

Oregon Promise Grant: Students who are high school or GED® test graduates between March 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, can apply now! Deadline varies by graduation date.  

Oregon Tribal Student Grant: The 2026-2027 Oregon Tribal Student Grant application is open. Students can now and are encouraged to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year (Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027).