College Access Corps Aims to Increase Oregon's High School Completion and College Access Rates.

Oregon Campus Compact in partnership with Washington Campus Compact announce the College Access Corps, a new program focused on increasing high school graduation rates and expanding access to higher education.

The program is funded through a grant with the Corporation for National and Community Service, which will place 55 AmeriCorps members in Washington and Oregon.  12 members in Oregon will help participating partners develop, implement, and expand K -12 college access programs.

The AmeriCorps members will train and recruit college students to become college access coaches to economically disadvantaged youth in schools, or to student groups that have a student population that is at least 50% eligible for the federally-funded free/reduced lunch program.

The goal is to have 500 students trained as college access coaches who will provide at least 15 hours of college access intervention to 4,500 K-12 youth. These coaches will address academic engagement, academic preparedness, and knowledge regarding applying and paying for college education.

ORCC’s Executive Director, Josh Todd said, "Oregon Campus Compact is excited to launch the College Access Corps because it aligns so closely with our strategic direction to use service as a critical tool on college campuses and in the community to improve Oregon's educational outcomes!"

For more information on College Access Corps contact Josh Todd at josh@oregoncampuscompact.org or 503-406-3575.

Pdf of this press release.