OREGON COLLEGE INFORMATION
There are countless websites and resources about going to college - it's hard to know where to begin. Oregon Goes To College is a great place to start! We focus on the basics of information about college with Oregon-specific resources and examples whenever possible.
IT'S A PLAN: COLLEGE CHECKLISTS FOR EDUCATORS
Going to college doesn’t “just happen”. Students and families need to prepare for the future by learning how to make plans to reach their goals. The It’s A Plan checklists provide a comprehensive overview of the steps Oregon students should take on their way to postsecondary success. These free resources for middle school through college assist educators, students, and families navigate the path to college.
EVENTS TO SUPPORT 12TH GRADE STUDENTS
Senior year is the most critical: students must meet deadlines and complete documents as part of the college application, financial aid and transition process. Therefore, the 12th grade checklists contain key action items for each month, additional resources including communication tools like Facebook posts and sample text messages, and ideas for workshops and activities. In addition, Oregon Goes To College coordinates with schools and community-based organizations to host three major events to support seniors: College Application Week, College Cash Campaign and Decision Day.
OREGON GEAR UP RESOURCES
The Oregon GEAR UP website has even more resources for educators who are interested in creating a college-going culture at their school, including toolkits, publications, staff professional development, and a searchable database of research and resources. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to stay connected!
OTHER OREGON RESOURCES
PLANNING FOR COLLEGE
ASPIRE: A mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with middle and high school students to develop a plan for after high school. Administered by OSAC.
ECMC: The Opportunities workbook guides Oregon students through the college planning process. Educators can download curriculum, Believing/Realizing the College Dream. The College Place provides help for students and educators in-person and on the phone.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
FAFSA Plus+: Student-level FAFSA data and support with FAFSA completion events and activities. Administered by OSAC.
Office of Student Access & Completion: OSAC administers 600+ scholarships as well as the Oregon Promise and Oregon Opportunity Grant programs.
Oregon College Savings Plan: Oregon's 529 college savings plan.
Oregon IDA Initiative: Matched savings accounts for income-eligible students.
Oregon Career Information System (CIS): Resources and information on careers. With guided lesson plans for educators, students develop an online personal education portfolio. Subscription required.
Oregon Career Pathways: Explore the classes needed to enter a career pathway at each of Oregon's 17 community colleges.
State of Oregon Employment Department: Oregon Careers publication as well as posters and brochures. Available in English and Spanish.
COLLEGE & CAREER FAIRS
- Careers in Gear, Medford
- Hatfield Marine Science Center Career Day, Newport
- MedQuest Health Career Choices Camp, La Grande
- NACAC & PNACAC College Fairs, Ashland, Eugene, Portland, Redmond, Roseburg
- Salem Area Chamber of Commerce College and Career Fair, Salem
- Northwest Youth Careers Expo, Portland
- Women in Trades Career Fair, Portland
- WOU Criminal Justice Careers Day, Monmouth