U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this week announced that Eastern Oregon University and Umpqua Community College will receive a combined $2.44 million to help recruit and retain students from rural Oregon.
The money will also provide students with career opportunities in high-skill, high-wage and in-demand industry sectors in the region.
“Students exposed to quality college and career preparation graduate from high school at higher rates and are more prepared to get good-paying jobs in the field of their choice,” Wyden said. “I am gratified to see funding go to expand access to programs at Eastern Oregon and Umpqua that prepare rural students to tackle an increasingly competitive job market.”
Eastern Oregon University will receive $1.2 million for its Achieving Careers for Rural Oregon Student Success (ACROSS) program to start postsecondary outreach program as early as 5th grade, provide dual credit courses to career pathways in person and online, and supply summer learning and internships to high school and college students.
“Higher education can connect our students with the resources, opportunities, and tools to thrive and build stronger communities and economies around Oregon,” said Senator Merkley. “This Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Program funding to Umpqua Community College and Eastern Oregon University will provide crucial support for our rural students by developing new pathways to education that can open the door to high-paying and in-demand careers.”
“EOU’s work as Oregon’s Rural University will be greatly enhanced through this grant. Our strategic goal is to intensify rural student recruitment and outreach, and providing access and support for educational and career pathways will help build and sustain our communities. We are grateful for the support of Oregon’s U.S. Senators,” said Eastern Oregon University President Tom Insko.
