Pass Students on a field trip
As a PASS student you become part of a diverse network of supportive peers.

What is PASS?


Program for Academic Support Services (PASS) works with current PCC students who are from a low-income family, are first generation college students, and/or have a disability. PASS is designed to increase the retention, graduation and transfer rates of our students. We do so by providing a holistic approach to student development and student success. As a program participant, you will gain knowledge and skills to empower you to achieve your academic goals.


Program Background


PASS is a TRIO/Student Support Services grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It has existed at PCC since 1990. Since then, PASS has assisted thousands of PCC students by providing services to help them take the right steps to earn an associates degree or certificate and to transfer to a four-year institution. In August 2020, our grant was re-funded for an additional five years in the amount of $348,002 a year.

Program Objectives


Persistence Rate

86% of all PASS participants persisted from one academic year to the beginning of the next academic year or graduated and/or transferred from a 2-year to a 4-year institution 

Good Academic Standing Rate

93% of all PASS participants met the performance level required to stay in a good academic standing at PCC

Associates Degree or Certificate Attainment Rate

55% of new PASS participants served each year graduated with an associates degree or certificate within 4 years

Associates Degree or Certificate Transfer Rate

36% of new PASS participants served each year transferred with an associates degree or certificate within 4 years