Student Basic Needs
The Office of Student Basic Needs is here to help remove barriers that may put your academic and personal success at risk. We help by connecting you with college and community resources. We encourage you to use these resources to help overcome challenges that may hinder your success.
View a directory of campus resources
Contact Student Basic Needs
If you need help accessing the resources you need, have questions, or need other support, please email [email protected] or call 503-491-7081. You can also fill out a request form online.
You can also come by the office at MHCC's Gresham Campus. Drop in hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments are available Monday - Friday. Please email [email protected] to schedule an appointment and let us know what you would like to meet about.
Looking for Specific Support? We're here to help.
MHCC can help you and your family with nutritious meals through Barney's Pantry. Schedule an appointment to access Barney’s Pantry, where you can request a food box or grab snacks and find other resources for free food in our community.
MHCC offers a loaner laptop program that can provide students with the necessary computer for classes. We can also assist with technology issues such as internet access, email, and online learning classes.
You have access to free, confidential, and professional counseling services. We can also assist with referrals for issues including depression, anxiety, managing a failing grade, stress, and suicide.
The AVID Learning Success Center is a tutoring center to support students. They offer technical and academic support. This includes general help and online tutoring, computer skills, and technology support.
The MHCC scholars program is designed for students who meet the following criteria:
- First-generation college attendees.
- First-time college students with fewer than 20 credits completed at MHCC.
- Willing to complete math and writing courses in their first year at MHCC.
Upon enrollment, MHCC Scholars can access the following benefits:
- Assigned student success specialist for academic advising, financial aid, tutoring, and overcoming barriers to college completion
- Opportunity to earn tuition waivers by achieving program milestones
- Inclusion in a supportive community of fellow students
Tuition waivers are available regardless of federal financial aid eligibility.
For more information and to apply, email MHCC Scholars staff or call 503-491-7471.
The SNAP Employment and Training Program (STEP) is designed for students who:
- Receive or are eligible to receive SNAP benefits for themselves (formerly called food stamps)
- Do not receive TANF welfare benefits
Upon enrollment, STEP participants can access the following benefits:
- Gap funding for college costs.
- Work closely with a Student Success Specialist to create a financial and education plan.
- Regular communication with the Student Success Specialist to help ensure educational success.
- Assistance navigating college and community resources, as well as referrals to resources.
To learn more and apply, email STEP program staff or call 503-491-7471.
TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) is for students who:
- Plan to graduate from MHCC and transfer to a four-year university
- Meet at least one of these criteria: low-income, documented disability, or first person in their family to attend college
- Meet the residency requirements to receive federal student aid
Once enrolled in the program, TRIO-SSS participants can access the following benefits:
- Academic support, career planning and transfer advising
- Guidance on affording college including help navigating financial aid and applying for scholarships
- Tutoring
- Organized visits to four-year colleges and universities
Transitions and Transiciones (offered in Spanish), support women who are new to college, have been out of school for a while, or need additional support to succeed in college.
Once enrolled, participants in Transitions or Transiciones can access the following benefits:
- Join a supportive community of MHCC staff, mentors, and peers
- Receive comprehensive career planning and college preparation assistance
- Get help navigating college services and resources
- Develop skills such as time management, study strategies, and applying for scholarships
We have a Child Development and Family Support (CDFS) program at our Maywood Campus. Families who qualify can access several services. This can include preschool and child care programs, home-visit help, parent-child activities, and health screenings. It can also include education support, meals, transportation, and more!
Learn about our child development and family support programs
MHCC has campus and community resources for undocumented students. We have also gathered advocacy, legal support, and financial assistance information.