Latino/a/x
Youth Programs
Pathways
After School Program
Pathways
Southern Oregon University and our local schools are committed to working together to increase opportunities that support Latino/a/x/ students as they gain the skills to access post-secondary opportunities. This partnership leverages a wide range of resources to prepare 8th grade students for high school success and college readiness by providing a continuing support structure of social and family assistance, academic support, mentorship and strategic programming through their senior year.
Pathway Program: Pirates to Raiders
Latino/a/x students in the Phoenix-Talent area, in partnership with their own families, the school district, and the university, will begin a journey in the fall of their 8th grade year that, when successfully completed, will lead to admission to Southern Oregon University and the opportunities provided by a university education. The Pirates to Raider Pathways program provides students with the tools they will need to succeed in college application and scholarship processes.
Upon completion of high school requirements and upon meeting university admissions standards, Pirates to Raiders participants will be granted full admission to SOU. Students in the program also receive individualized coaching to better access the:
- Diversity Scholarship through the Scholarship Universe grant and scholarship platform
- Accelerated bachelor’s degree pathway
- Scholarships available for those pursuing the master’s teaching program at SOU
By creating these enhanced pathways, we can ensure an upwardly viable future for young Latino students, the Rogue Valley and the State of Oregon.
Pirates to Raiders Program Overview
Starting in 8th grade and continuing through senior year of high school, Southern Oregon University, in collaboration with the Phoenix-Talent School District, offers a variety of supportive services for students and their families. Here’s what you can expect through the Pirates to Raiders program:
- Early Exposure to College: From 8th grade onward, students will be introduced to the possibilities of college, helping them dream big and start planning early. Consistent advice on college admissions, financial aid, registration, transfers, and accelerated learning opportunities will also be provided.
- Promoting College Readiness: As students enter high school, we emphasize the importance of early college preparation and nurturing post-secondary aspirations. We work to ensure that students not only start college but also persist through to degree completion.
- Navigating the Transition: We guide students and families through the necessary steps to transition smoothly from high school to college, making the journey less daunting. We are committed to creating effective bridging strategies, mentoring experiences, and fostering positive adult relationships to support students.
- Comprehensive Guidance: Receive consistent advice on college admissions, financial aid, registration, transfers, and accelerated learning opportunities. Pathway participants are also peer tutored by college students enrolled at SOU.
- Breaking Down Barriers: We aim to reduce any institutional and cultural obstacles that might stand in the way of students and their families. Programming in Spanish and English helps to ensure that the entire family is informed.
We are committed to providing the support needed for a bright future.
Pathway Program: Adelante
Adelante prepares students for college coursework and provides assistance and mentoring through strategic programming for middle and high school students and their parents. As the Latino/a/x population in the area continues to grow, it is our responsibility to provide educational opportunities beyond high school.
Adelante student have the following program benefits:
- Tutoring and mentoring by SOU students, SAT/ACT prep, and the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
- Guidance for college and financial aid applications, work programs, and other pathways.
- Meetings and conferences to include the families in the transition from secondary to post-secondary institutions. These services are offered in Spanish or Bilingually.
- Workshop on budgeting, interest rates, and financial literacy.
- Off-campus experiences through field trips and excursions.
Pathway Programs, such as Adelante and Pirates to Raiders, are proudly supported by the Oregon Department of Education Latinx Student Success Plan and the Oregon Department of Education Multilingual and Migrant Education.
