Students take 3+ college level courses before the end of high school

There are very real academic and financial barriers on the bridge between high school and college. Opportunities for high school students to earn college credits and experience college level coursework lessens both the long-term financial burden and builds self-confidence in youth. Currently, not all Central Oregon youth have access to the same number and types of college level courses. This is problematic and inequitable.

In direct response to these barriers, local schools and higher education institutions in Central Oregon launched the Cascades Commitment. This initiative is a collaborative effort that aims to create a clear path for any high school student in Central Oregon (no matter what high school they attend) to earn up to 18 core credits that meet foundational requirements for an Associates or Bachelors Degree after high school. Schools and higher education institutions are working together to increase the number of educators qualified to teach college level coursework within a high school. In 2014, over 30 high school educators engaged in additional training to become qualified to teach college level courses across all 6 districts in our region.