In today’s world, education is one of the most powerful tools we can give our youth. It’s a ticket to a brighter future, full of opportunities and the chance to achieve their dreams. However, the rising cost of higher education can often be a barrier for many students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. At Believe in Me, we are dedicated to empowering all children to succeed, and we believe that access to education is a fundamental part of that mission. One fantastic opportunity that aligns with our goals is the Oregon Promise. This state grant helps make higher education more accessible and affordable for Oregon’s recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates by covering tuition costs at any Oregon community college.
What is the Oregon Promise?
The Oregon Promise is a state-funded grant that was launched in the fall of 2016 with the goal of covering most tuition costs at any Oregon community college. This grant is a game-changer for students who want to continue their education but are concerned about the financial burden that often comes with it. By easing the cost of tuition, the Oregon Promise opens doors for students who might otherwise feel that college is out of reach.
The Oregon Promise is more than just a grant. It’s a beacon of hope, a critical stepping stone towards a brighter future for recent high school graduates and GED recipients. It doesn’t just cover tuition; it instills confidence, empowering students to take the next step in their educational journey without the burden of financial worries.
Who Qualifies for the Oregon Promise?
Eligibility for the Oregon Promise is straightforward but crucial for ensuring that the grant reaches those who need it most. To qualify, a student must:
Be a recent high school graduate or GED recipient.
Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher or a 145 grade on all GED tests.
Be a resident of Oregon for at least 12 months prior to attending college.
Parent(s) of dependent students must also reside in Oregon.
These criteria are designed to ensure that the Oregon Promise benefits students who are committed to their education and need the support to make their college dreams a reality. By targeting recent graduates and those who have recently completed their GED, the Oregon Promise ensures that young people in Oregon have the opportunity to continue their education right after high school.
Deadlines and Application Process: Timing is Everything
The Oregon Promise application process is as crucial as the eligibility criteria. Students must be acutely aware of the deadlines that correspond with their graduation date. Missing a deadline could mean missing out on this valuable financial aid. It’s a responsibility that students must take seriously.
Here’s what students need to know:
The application deadline for students graduating between March 1 and June 30 is June 1.
The deadline for those graduating between July 1 and November 30 is November 1.
If you graduate between December 1 and February 29, your deadline is February 1 of the following year.
To apply, students must:
Submit the Oregon Promise application through the OSAC (Office of Student Access and Completion) Student Portal.
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application) for the year they plan to start college.
List at least one Oregon community college on their FAFSA or ORSAA.
Meeting the application deadlines is of utmost importance. A missed deadline could mean missing out on this incredible opportunity. Therefore, students must be vigilant and stay on top of their application timelines to ensure they don’t miss out on the Oregon Promise.
Maintaining Eligibility: Keeping the Promise Alive
Once a student is awarded the Oregon Promise, they must meet certain requirements to maintain their eligibility. These requirements include:
Maintaining at least half-time continuous enrollment (6 credits or more) during the fall, winter, and spring terms.
Accepting all state and federal grant aid offered through the community college’s financial aid office.
Completing a First-Year Experience program, which varies by school.
Keeping their total attempted credits below 90.
These conditions ensure that students remain engaged and committed to their education, allowing them to make the most of the Oregon Promise. Staying on track academically not only helps students retain their grant but also sets them up for long-term success. At Believe in Me, we know how important it is for students to stay focused on their goals, and the Oregon Promise provides a structured pathway to help them do just that.
Caveats and Considerations: Understanding the Fine Print
As with any financial aid program, the Oregon Promise has specific limitations and conditions. It’s important for students and their families to understand these caveats so they can plan accordingly.
Credit Limit: The Oregon Promise covers up to 12 credits per term and a maximum of 90 credits attempted.
Enrollment Requirements: Students must maintain at least half-time continuous enrollment during the academic year (fall, winter, and spring terms). Failure to do so could result in losing the grant.
Summer Term: The Oregon Promise does not cover summer courses. However, credits earned during the summer count towards the 90-credit limit.
Understanding these limitations helps students make informed decisions about their course load and academic planning. This knowledge is essential for maximizing the benefits of the Oregon Promise and ensuring that students stay on track to complete their education.
Exceptional Circumstances: Dual Enrollment and Transfers
One of the Oregon Promise’s great advantages is its flexibility. Students who are dual-enrolled in a community college and a four-year university or who transfer between community colleges can still benefit from the grant.
Dual Enrollment: Students must establish a dual enrollment agreement between their community college and university, maintain at least six credits at the community college, and list the community college as their home institution for financial aid purposes.
Transfers: Students can transfer to another Oregon community college and still receive the Oregon Promise, provided they update their FAFSA or ORSAA with the new school’s information.
This flexibility allows students to explore different educational opportunities while still benefiting from the Oregon Promise. It’s an excellent option for students who want to start their education at a community college and then transfer to a university to complete their degree.
You’ve Got the Grant – Now What?
Receiving the Oregon Promise is just the beginning of the journey. Once students are awarded the grant, they must take several steps to ensure they remain eligible and continue receiving funding. But they are not alone. There is a network of support and guidance available to help them navigate this process.
Verify Information: Students should work closely with their community college’s financial aid office to complete any necessary verification processes related to their FAFSA or ORSAA.
Maintain Academic Progress: To keep the Oregon Promise, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by their college. This typically means earning good grades and staying enrolled in the required number of credits.
Keep Contact Information Updated: OSAC sends important updates via email, so students must keep their contact information current.
These steps are essential for ensuring that students can continue to benefit from the Oregon Promise throughout their time in community college. At Believe in Me, we encourage students to stay proactive and engaged with their education, as this will set them up for long-term success.
iLevelUP: Unlocking Success for First-Generation College Students
As part of Believe in Me’s unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized youth, we are currently developing iLevelUP, an innovative app designed to transform the college experience for first-generation students. Recognizing the unique challenges these students often face—whether it’s navigating the complexities of financial aid, balancing academic demands, or feeling isolated in a new environment—iLevelUP aims to be more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline. The app will provide critical support by offering personalized guidance, comprehensive resources, and a supportive community of peers and mentors who have walked similar paths. With a focus on academic achievement, financial literacy, and career planning, iLevelUP will equip first-generation students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in college and thrive. By bridging the gap between potential and achievement, iLevelUP will play a transformative role in helping these students realize their dreams and set the stage for a brighter, more empowered future. Through this app, Believe in Me continues to champion the success of all children, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
A Promise for the Future
The Oregon Promise is more than just a financial aid program; it’s a commitment to the future of Oregon’s youth. By making higher education more accessible and affordable, the Oregon Promise helps students overcome financial barriers and pursue their dreams.
At Believe in Me, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. The Oregon Promise aligns perfectly with our mission to empower all children to succeed, providing them with the opportunities they need to build confidence, resilience, and a brighter future.
If you or someone you know is eligible for the Oregon Promise, we encourage you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. By staying informed about the application process, meeting deadlines, and maintaining eligibility, students can unlock the doors to a world of possibilities.
To learn more about the Oregon Promise and how it can help you or your child achieve their educational goals, visit https://oregonstudentaid.gov/grants/oregon-promise-grant/. Together, we can ensure that all children have the chance to succeed—because when we invest in our youth, we invest in a better future for our world.
