Mt. Hood Community College Extends Support to Local Organizations to Sponsor Refugee Students Through Welcome Corps on Campus

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is proud to announce its support of the Welcome Corps on Campus, a targeted education sponsorship initiative that enables US colleges and universities to play a leading role in resettling refugee students. A first-of-its-kind program, the Welcome Corps on Campus links higher education access to resettlement through the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which provides a path to permanent legal status in the US. As one of the only colleges in Oregon involved in this program, MHCC extends its full support to any local organizations that choose to sponsor refugee students through this program. 

The Welcome Corps on Campus operates under the broader Welcome Corps private sponsorship program, which was launched by the US Department of State in January for refugees admitted through the USRAP. MHCC is committed to connecting qualified refugee students to life-changing opportunities to continue their education and obtain permanent legal status and the stability needed to build a brighter future in the US.

Through the program, local organizations can sponsor refugee students by providing financial and resettlement assistance. As a participating college in Welcome Corps on Campus, MHCC will facilitate sponsored student refugees’ access to valuable educational, career, and basic needs resources.  MHCC offers degree programs, English as a second language courses, and citizenship preparation courses as well as career coaching and job placement services through WorkSource Gresham. The program marks a new era of service opportunities for the Gresham community to support higher education for refugee students forced to flee their homes and leave behind the communities they’ve built.

"We are thrilled to join the Welcome Corps on Campus,” MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari said. "By providing a safe haven for refugees to learn and thrive, we are confident that our community will benefit tremendously from the diverse experiences and strengths they bring. We hope that local businesses and philanthropic organizations will rise to the occasion."

Local organizations who are interested in sponsoring refugee students’ education at MHCC should visit the Welcome Corps on Campus website.