AspireOregon.org
Title
ASPIRE - Index
Description
Excerpted from the website:
- ASPIRE is changing the lives of young Oregonians. Trained adult volunteers mentor high school students to help them envision a future of possibilities beyond high school. Download the ASPIRE brochure (PDF) for more information
Languages
English
Address
- 1500 Valley River Dr, Ste. 100
- Eugene OR 97401 US
Additional Information
ASPIRE (Access to Student assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) is Oregon’s official mentoring program to help students access education and training beyond high school. Students receive information about college options, admission, and financial aid from trained and supportive ASPIRE volunteer mentors who work one-on-one with them throughout the year. Beginning with just four pilot schools in 1998, ASPIRE has expanded to 115 sites across Oregon. In the 2008-09 academic year, ASPIRE trained 1,516 adult volunteers who mentored 9,087 students in pursuit of their educational dreams.
Changing Oregon’s Future
• ASPIRE educates students and families about the grant and scholarship application process and other options for financing postsecondary education. • Students who participate in ASPIRE receive one-on-one mentoring from trained ASPIRE advisors. Other students at the site receive up-to-date information on scholarship and financial assistance at workshops that are open to everyone.
ASPIRE has proven to have a positive effect on students: Coos County high school administrators credit ASPIRE and its partners with creating a strong college-going culture. In Coos County, where nearly all high schools are ASPIRE sites, an impressive 31 percent of the county high school graduates attend community college, compared to 13 percent for the state average.
Creating Community Investment
• ASPIRE provides the tools to recruit, train, and implement volunteer advisor programs, helping each site build a sustainable community of mentors who are sincerely invested in students’ futures. • Mentors are prepared and qualified to assist each student with postsecondary education planning, career choices, financial aid, college admissions, and scholarship applications. • The program brings together students, school staff, community volunteers, and parents to help students overcome obstacles in continuing education.
Cultivating Achievement
• ASPIRE is a proactive strategy to encourage all students to further their education, set goals, and achieve career dreams. In 2008, applicants for OSAC scholarships from ASPIRE sites received significantly more assistance compared to applicants from schools without the ASPIRE Program. • Advisors provide the necessary resources needed for students to have a successful transition after high school graduation.
Reaching Oregon Students
For the 2007-09 biennium, Governor Kulongoski and the 2007 Legislature passed a bill recognizing ASPIRE as a state program and, for the first time, procured state funds for the program. The support of State General Funds for ASPIRE continues in 2009-11. The program is also funded through unique public and private partnerships such as The Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon GEAR UP, Texas TG Public Benefit Program, and the Department of Human Services. Additionally, ASPIRE sites provide an in-kind match that equals the amount they receive from State funds.
Program Outputs for 2008-09
• 1,516 volunteers participated as mentors, team leaders, or resource specialists providing free services valued at $652,000. 87% of volunteers describe their experience as rewarding or highly rewarding. 74% of volunteers plan to continue volunteering in future years. • 9,087 students received individual mentoring • 61,093 contacts were made with students who received educational and financial aid information and/or drop-in assistance
Effects on Students and School Culture ASPIRE makes an impact on the college-going culture of the school. Applicants for scholarships administered by OSAC from ASPIRE schools had lower incomes, lower parent education levels, and lower grade point averages than those at non-ASPIRE schools, and were likely to receive a scholarship. • Students who attend ASPIRE sites are, on average, about four percentage points more likely to attend college compared to students from non- ASPIRE sites. • ASPIRE is successful in reaching first-generation college students o 47% have mothers and 54% have fathers who did not attend college o 30% self-identify as students of color o 43% are from moderate or low-income households
• 84% applied to at least one college, university, or technical/vocational program • 92% plan to continue their education next fall or sometime in the future • 77% filed a FAFSA and 75% took the SAT • 39% applied for at least one OSAC scholarship and 65% applied for at least one other scholarship. • Applicants from ASPIRE schools are more likely to receive a scholarship award.
Specialized Trainings Delivered to ASPIRE Sites
During 2008-09 ASPIRE transitioned to a “Train-the-Trainer” model. Region supervisors focused on helping prepare ASPIRE coordinators to present ASPIRE trainings such as College 101, Introduction to ASPIRE, and Finding Fund$ for Oregon Students. o 1,011 participants attended 531 training sessions delivered by ASPIRE coordinators. o 3,853 participants attended 150 training sessions delivered by ASPIRE administrative staff.
New Pilot Projects for 2009-10: A grant from GEAR UP Oregon is funding: • eASPIRE is a web-based version of ASPIRE utilizing a secure, monitored web-based system. E-mentoring removes the time constraint and geographic availability issues that often limit volunteer recruitment. • Getting Ready to ASPIRE introduces planning for training and education beyond high school for middle school students to ensure early awareness for postsecondary planning.
