The path to a public health degree at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is means more than just studying and passing classes—it is a journey of resilience against systemic barriers. In 2023, data from the Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC) revealed a sobering reality for our PSU campus community: the dream of a public health career is often sidelined or delayed by basic survival.
Our students are facing a crisis of affordability that threatens to derail their potential:
- Housing & Homelessness: Nearly 19% of PSU students have experienced homelessness, while over 54% struggle with general housing insecurity. In a city of rising rents, a stable place to sleep has become a luxury many cannot afford.
- Food Insecurity: Over half of our student body (53%) reported experiencing food insecurity in the last 30 days. Hunger is a direct barrier to cognitive focus and academic retention.
- The "Hidden" Costs: For the 18% of PSU students who are parents, childcare costs are a constant threat to enrollment. Combined with rising transit costs and medical bills, a single $500 unplanned expense can force a student to drop out entirely.
- First-Generation Hurdles: With 48% of our students being the first in their families to attend college, professional mentoring and advising are not just perks—they are essential lifelines for navigating complex systems.
By donating to our OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Student Success today, you can provide our students the opportunity to receive flexible funds to ensure a financial setback does not mean the end of a student’s academic goals.
Your gift can provide:
- $10: A warm, nutritious meal at Victor’s Dining Center.
- $50: Groceries for a student facing food insecurity.
- $100: Critical assistance with childcare costs.
- $500: Relief for emergency rent, car repairs, or medical bills.
Help us remove these barriers and keep our future public health leaders on track to graduate.
Donors
View All Donors