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Contact: Di Saunders, Office: 503-725-5714; Cell: 971-219-6869

Federal College Access Challenge Grant funding extended by US Dept. of Ed through August 2011

Portland, OR, August 16, 2010 – The State of Oregon announced today that it has received a third year extension on a federal grant to help adults in Oregon start or return to college, and to also help traditional-aged students learn more about how to access and afford a college education.

Funded by a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education received by Oregon in 2008, the College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACGP) aims to increase the number of Oregonians who access and succeed in higher education, in either a community college or a 4-year college or university.  A key component of Oregon’s program is a focus on getting more adult learners – over the age of 25 – to either start or return to college to upgrade their skills and ensure greater education and employment opportunities. The state launched its “College is Possible” campaign in the spring of 2009, with two main components being a toll-free Adult Learner College Line (1-877-848-4669) and website (www.OregonOpportunities.gov) for Oregonians interested in returning to college, or enrolling for the first time. College Line counselors provide help and direction on how to enroll in college, locate academic programs, seek financial aid, and generally start the process. While the College Line primarily targets adult learners, prospective students of any age can call the line for help and speak with a counselor to help navigate the college-going process.

“In a time when we’re seeing increased demand for higher education, the Adult Learner College Line and website are great resources for Oregonians interested in going to college, but who aren’t quite sure how to get started,” said Joe Holliday, assistance vice chancellor for student success initiatives for the Oregon University System, and the director of the CACGP. “The College Line counselors are all very knowledgeable and caring people who spend the time it takes with callers to help them get started on the path to college. This is a great resource to help Oregonians meet their education and training goals, and we’re thankful to the U.S. Department of Education for making resources available for a third year that directly help people in our state during a time of limited resources.”

Oregonians can access the College Line Monday-Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., at 1-877-848-4669 to get information on enrolling in a 2- or 4-year college or university in Oregon, how to get financial aid, transfer credits, or get specific information on programs for returning or first-time students, childcare options, and other areas. The telephone resource line is supplemented by on-line help at www.OregonOpportunities.gov. Several agencies in Oregon are involved in developing and implementing the various components of the CACGP, including the Governor’s Office, the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, the Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC), the Oregon University System, and the Oregon Independent Colleges Association. Individuals representing each of these constituencies serve in an advisory capacity, leading several key initiatives of the grant.

Oregon University System (OUS) comprises seven distinguished public universities and one branch campus, reaching more than one million people each year through on-campus classes, statewide public services, and lifelong learning. The Oregon State Board of Higher Education, the statutory governing board of OUS, is composed of twelve members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate. For additional information, go to www.ous.edu.

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