Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University’s College of Education has been awarded a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education, to enhance partnerships with Central School District and the communities of Monmouth and Independence, to expand resources and programs for bilingual education.
The grant will facilitate a range of initiatives within Central School District, including:
- Equity-Centered Professional Development: Planning and delivering training for educators to promote equity in the classroom.
- Advisory Board Establishment: Creating a student and family advisory board to ensure community input.
- Peer Mentoring Program: Establishing a mentoring program that pairs high school students with elementary students to foster academic growth and support.
- Community Events: Organizing events that promote literacy, school attendance, and post-secondary education opportunities.
- Coaching in ESOL and Bilingual Education: Providing targeted coaching for educators in English for Speakers of Other Languages and bilingual education.
- Policy Evaluation: Conducting evaluations with the district’s equity team to enhance educational practices and policies.
- MECHA Programming Expansion: MECHA is a Mexican-American student organization that promotes unity and empowerment through civic engagement. It will expand its program to middle schools, promoting cultural awareness and academic success.
- Afterschool Literacy Support: Offering support for afterschool programs focused on literacy development.
- Grow Your Own Multilingual Future Teachers Program: Establishing a program to cultivate future multilingual educators within the community.
- Post-Secondary Connections: Creating peer-tutoring opportunities and connections between MECHA and Latiné college students at Western Oregon University.
Professors Jessica Dougherty, Marie LeJeune, and Mandy Olsen, all co-PI’s who will manage the grant, look forward to collaborating with colleagues and community partners to implement impactful strategies that empower Latiné students. “This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Latiné students in the region and reflects Western’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment,” they shared.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
