Eastern Oregon University > Mountaineer Magazine > Summer/Fall 2024 > Pathways to Success

Pathways to Success

Eastern Oregon University and La Grande High School (LHS) are building on their long standing relationship to change the narrative for rural education in eastern Oregon. The high school and University aim to make higher education more accessible and improve student success through a series of programs with the goal of educating the future of La Grande and eastern Oregon.

     The initiative is driven by a vision to create  a model for university-school district collaborations. One of the key components of the initiative is the establishment of the EOU HUB at LHS. Part of EOU’s Early College Initiatives (ECI), this resource center provides students with information about EOU, from financial aid to career planning. Staffed by EOU admissions counselors and ECI staff, the HUB is designed to ease the transition from high school to college, particularly for first-generation students and those unfamiliar with the college application process.

   The partnership between EOU and LHS  includes a range of programs outside of the HUB, with activities aimed at supporting students and integrating the community:

  • Lunch Buddies: EOU students mentor LHS students during lunch, offering guidance and support.
  • Reading Tutors: Students from EOU help improve literacy skills.
  • Oregon Teacher Pathways: Provides mentorship and hands-on experience for aspiring educators at LHS.
  • Dual Enrollment: Allows LHS students to take college courses, earning credits while still in high school.
  • Get Outside-After School Activity Program (GO-ASAP): Encourages middle school students to engage in outdoor activities, promoting physical and mental well-being.

The impact of this collaboration is measured by increasing LHS student enrollment at EOU, the significant changes in students’ lives, and community growth. 

     “We are providing students with mentors and leaders from higher education right here   in our community,” Kelly Ryan, President of Eastern Oregon University said. “We want to help them envision a prosperous future here in La Grande and eastern Oregon with the goal of keeping them in the region.”

     One of the standout benefits of this work is the emphasis on dual credit opportunities through ECI. This program provides substantial financial advantages, allowing high school students to earn early college credits at a reduced cost, making higher education more affordable and less daunting.

 “It’s about the relationship, the trust, the connection, the interest in who the student is,” George Mendoza, ’97, La Grande School District Superintendent said. “By removing barriers to higher education and providing continuous support, the partnership aims to help more students succeed.”