OSU Juntos team
Since its launch just two years ago, the Juntos program has seen tremendous growth and success. Juntos is a Latino family empowerment program that encourages Latino families to work together to make education a family goal, prevent dropouts, and increase K-12 and post-secondary success.
Originating at North Carolina State University, today Juntos operates in seven Oregon communities, including Madras, Tillamook, Culver, Hood River, The Dalles, Sisters, and Warm Springs. And soon they plan to launch the program in Corvallis and McMinnville.
Oregon Juntos youth and their families meet for two hours a week for six weeks. Included are lessons that focus on helping both students and parents better understand our school system. The result: a significant increase in the completion of college applications and FAFSA: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid... Juntos rounds it out with afterschool clubs, parent groups, community trainings, volunteer groups, and, an annual Family Day held in Corvallis.
The Juntos team is muy pequeño (very small), but its impact is muy grande. The success of Juntos is counted in hundreds: a 100% high school graduation rate, a 100% college-attendance rate and 100% first-term college success.
Es mi honra (it is my honor) to present this year’s Diversity Award to the Juntos team: Jennifer Oppenlander, Maydra Valencia, Ana Gomez, Jeff Sherman, Emily Henry, Ann Harris and Loren Chavarria-Bechtel