May 2, 2016

We are proud to announce that Beaver Hangouts, our near-peer online college access program, is the recipient of the Campus K12 Partnership Award through Campus Compact of Oregon. The Campus K12 Partnership Award recognizes outstanding partnerships between institutions of higher education and K12 schools that produce measurable improvements, demonstrate a commitment to community, and enhance higher education and K12 outcomes. The award is designed to help increase the number and effectiveness of other campus-K12 partnerships.

Over the past year Beaver Hangouts has doubled in size, with 48 OSU students serving as College Access Coaches for over 800 4th-12th grade students in 22 different schools. Beaver Hangouts serves mainly rural, low-income communities with limited access to college preparatory resources. Coaches deliver lesson plans designed to inspire students to pursue higher education and increase their awareness of post-secondary options, especially how to prepare, apply, and pay for college. Coaches give their students a glimpse into college life and enforce efforts to create a college-going culture in these communities.

We would like to thank our team of dedicated coaches that keep the program running successfully, as well as our school and non-profit partners that bring Beaver Hangouts to their classrooms.