Easing financial burdens for students pursuing careers in early childhood education
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is pleased to announce a significant $160,000 scholarship grant from Multnomah County’s Preschool for All (PFA) initiative. This funding will ease financial burdens for students pursuing careers in early childhood education, helping them succeed in this crucial field.
For the 2024-25 academic year, each scholarship recipient will receive funds to cover full-time tuition and books, valued at $7,758, making it the college’s largest scholarship. Although MHCC is recognized for being an affordable institution, many students still face financial challenges. Currently, four out of five MHCC students rely on public benefits to attend, and three out of five experience housing insecurity. The MHCC Foundation, supported by a community board, plays a critical role in securing funding for students.
Impact on Students and Community:
“These generous scholarship funds will be a tremendous support to our students as they pursue their early childhood education degrees or certificates,” said Yolanda Buenafe, MHCC Program Director. “Many of our students balance work and parenting responsibilities while attending evening and hybrid classes. This funding will significantly ease their financial burdens, enabling them to focus on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become highly qualified educators, benefiting both our students and the families in our community.”
Student Stories:
Natacha, an early childhood education student, shared, "Without this funding, it would not have been possible for me to pay for these courses on my own.”
For Maria, the scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a chance to fulfill a dream and provide a better future for her family. “I’m beyond grateful and excited to continue my education. With this scholarship, I feel hopeful for my future and that of my daughter. I want to be a role model and show her that we can overcome life’s obstacles.”
Supporting Preschool for All’s Vision:
This partnership is vital to the PFA initiative, which aims to provide free, culturally responsive, and inclusive preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County by 2030. The collaboration with MHCC helps PFA achieve its goal of creating a skilled, diverse workforce of early childhood educators who can ensure every child has access to quality education.
“This scholarship supports our goal of building a passionate and skilled workforce of early childhood educators,” said Jennifer Boehmer, Executive Director of the MHCC Foundation. “This financial assistance and professional training will equip our future educators to become compassionate teachers and part of a broader movement to ensure all children in Multnomah County are ready for kindergarten.”
A Call for Community Support:
“We are deeply grateful for the support from PFA and other community partners who understand the needs of our students,” Boehmer added. “However, ongoing community support is essential to continue making a difference. When you contribute to MHCC, you're not just helping one student; you're investing in the future of our community, especially for the youngest generation.”
About Preschool for All (PFA):
Preschool for All, part of the Preschool and Early Learning Division of Multnomah County and Department of County Human Services, is a transformative initiative offering free, high-quality preschool education to children in Multnomah County. With over 2,200 funded preschool seats across 130+ locations, the program is on track to provide universal preschool access by 2030. Through partnerships like MHCC, PFA aims to ensure every child receives a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
“MHCC awards over 1,700 degrees annually, directly contributing to the community's workforce,” said Boehmer. “This initiative helps reduce barriers to education while meeting the growing demand for qualified early childhood educators in Multnomah County.”