Program Details

ASPIRE at Mazama High School

Contact Information

Web: www.AspireOregon.org

Coordinator: Terry Bennett
Voice: (541) 883-4730
Email: bennettt@kfalls.k12.or.us

Program Description

The ASPIRE (Access to Student assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone) program encourages all Oregon high school students to see education and training beyond high school as an option.

ASPIRE offers high schools the tools they need to recruit, train, and implement a volunteer-based program that extends and enhances the reach of high school counselors.

ASPIRE trains community volunteers help students overcome, financial, cultural, and academic barriers to education and training beyond high school.

ASPIRE volunteers enhance and extend the services of high school counselors; they do not replace them or any other paid staff.

Population Served

The entire high school student population.

Goals and Objectives

1. Help students access education and training beyond high school by providing mentoring, resources, and a culture of achievement.
2. Provide resources and consultation for building a sustainable community-based volunteer program.
3. Increase number of students seeking and receiving scholarships and other financial assistance.
4. Serve all types of students and encourage all types of postsecondary options.
5. Extend and enhance the reach of high school guidance counselors.

Ages Served

13 to 18

Types of Mentoring

• One-on-One

Type of Mentoring Program

Mentor Profile

Adult volunteers meet with assigned students to assist them with variety of activities such as academic preparation, scholarship search and application, career exploration, college choice, and college application.Responsiblities: Meet on a regular basis with 1-10 assigned students, assist students with their goals and activities for higher education, and attend volunteer meetings and trainings.Qualifications: Desire and ability to work with teenage students, Sensitivity to challenges faced by teenage students, Interest in being trained in the college financial aid process, Dependability and a strong sense of commitment, and Ability to maintain a patient and non-judgemental attitude.Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week for the school year.Training: ASPIRE and the Oregon Student Assistance Commission will provide initial and ongoing training on guidelines, applying for financial aid and scholarships, college admissions and mentoring techniques. School staff will provide information on school policies and regulations, and current college access activities at the school.Benefits: Training on how to successfully apply to college & obtain financial aid, Satisfaction of creating opportunities for more Oregonians to attend college and trade schools, and Tort liability insurance coverage.

Hours Needed

• Mornings: 8 am to Noon
• Afternoon: Noon to 3 pm
• After School: 3 pm to 5 pm

Locations Served

• Klamath Falls