Wyden, Merkley: $2.5 Million to Go to Oregon College Prep Programs for Underserved Students
Chemeketa Community College, Mt Hood Community College, Umpqua Community College, Rogue Community College, Clatsop Community College, Southwestern Oregon Community College & Project Youth+ to benefit
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that seven college preparation programs all over the state will receive a combined more than $2.5 million to increase the number of young Oregonians from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education.
“Programs like these can make the difference in an Oregon student’s life between starting out with a high school diploma or as a high school dropout,” Wyden said. “Every student deserves the chance to pursue their passion. Since students from disadvantaged backgrounds often face more barriers to postsecondary education, it’s critical to invest in college prep services that can help them. I am gratified to see these incredible Oregon programs earn federal dollars to tackle this challenge head on and give every student a fair shot.”
“Every Oregonian should have access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code or how much money their parents have,” said Merkley. “As the first in my family to graduate from college, I know how hard that transition can be. A little extra support can make a big difference and I am pleased that we were able to secure federal resources to help provide more higher learning opportunities for our students. I will continue to push for support that will create pathways for our students to succeed.”
Chemeketa Community College, Mt Hood Community College, Umpqua Community College, Rogue Community College, Clatsop Community College, Southwestern Oregon Community College & Project Youth+ will receive funds from the Talent Search program, which provides academic, career, and financial counseling to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education.
Funded projects provide tutoring services, career exploration, aptitude assessments, counseling, mentoring programs, workshops, information on postsecondary institutions, financial literacy education or counseling services, guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry, alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts, and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are English Language Learners, students with disabilities, homeless students, students aging out of foster care, and other disconnected students.
The grant funds will be distributed as follows:
- Chemeketa Community College: $301,784
- Project Youth+ (formerly College Dreams): $277,375
- Mt Hood Community College: $277,375
- Umpqua Community College: $328,413
- Rogue Community College: $328,413
- Clatsop Community College: $372,238
- Southwestern Oregon Community College: $622,986
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