“NSPA is a clearinghouse of excellent information and research to assist OSAC in achieving its mission of creating a college-going culture for Oregonians. Our staff has benefitted from NSPA’s webinars and resource information to help us better serve Oregon students and families.”

Vic Nunenkamp, Chief Operating Officer, Oregon Student Access Commission

Oregon Student Access Commission

Paying for the cost of a college education is increasingly becoming a challenge for many students and their families. The Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC) serves as an important resource to assist students in achieving their college aspirations. As a state agency, OSAC’s mission is to create a college-going culture for all Oregonians by providing access through information, mentoring, and financial support to Oregon students in pursuit of postsecondary education and training.

Through private scholarship awards, Oregon Opportunity Grants, and other federal and state grants, the ASPIRE mentoring program and financial aid outreach programs, OSAC assists thousands of Oregonians each year. OSAC disburses scholarships and grants of more than $62 million to Oregon students in their quest to achieve a college education. Of that amount, more than $16 million in private scholarship dollars are awarded annually.

OSAC administers private scholarship funds in partnership with community and private foundations, private individuals, employers, membership and professional organizations, civic groups, and financial institutions. With a portfolio of more than 450 scholarship programs, Oregon students can apply for these programs using one online application.

OSAC administers the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which provides need-based financial assistance to more than 30,000 students each year to attend Oregon postsecondary schools. OSAC’s other government-funded grant programs assist foster youth and other at-risk youth, student-parents, and children of deceased and disabled public safety officers.