Eastern Oregon University and La Grande High School Collaborations Open Pathways to Student Success

Eastern Oregon University and La Grande High School Collaborations Open Pathways to Student Success

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University (EOU) and La Grande High School (LHS) are building on a unique and established partnership to create more opportunities for high school students to access college.

At the core of this work is the new EOU HUB. Early College Initiatives and Admissions experts are now in the high school in room 22A every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to help students get a head start on their college education. EOU staff members are available to help students answer questions about college, fill out college applications, learn about financial aid, and understand scholarship opportunities. Staff also help students register for EOU’s dual credit program where they can take college classes while still in high school at a reduced cost.

“We view La Grande High School students as future Mountaineers, part of the EOU family from high school. Dual credits get them started on college early making their path to a degree shorter, which makes it more affordable, “ said Kathleen Brown, Associate Director of Early College Initiatives. 

The EOU HUB and dual credit program are part of the University’s commitment to the region by providing innovative educational and developmental programs. EOU Lunch Buddies connects university students with local school children for mentorship. EOU’s Reading Clinic provides individualized reading assistance and teacher training to boost literacy in younger students. The Oregon Teacher Pathway (OTP) in La Grande High School aims to get high school students on a path to a career in education. 

“We send more students to EOU than any other school district. I want this district and the University to be seen as the standard for how we should work together to help Oregon students and Oregon communities access higher education.” Superintendent of the La Grande School District George Mendoza said.

The university also serves as a regional hub for sports and community engagement through campus buildings like the Fieldhouse and Community Stadium. EOU hosts local teams that play football, soccer, and baseball, and events like the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit. 

“This partnership is unique in Oregon. Through this partnership, we’re not only supporting the educational aspirations of our youth but we are also enriching our community,” Mendoza said. 
For more details about EOU’s Early College Initiatives visit eou.edu/early-college-initiatives.