51°µÍø

51°µÍø Selected to List for Serving Hispanic Students

Story by James Hill

PORTLAND – The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine has selected 51°µÍø as one the best institutions in providing education to Hispanic students. The list honors two- and four-year institutions nationwide that attract, inspire and empower Hispanic students. 51°µÍø was one of six institutions statewide that made the list, including Chemeketa Community College, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Oregon and Western Oregon University."What this does is improves awareness of 51°µÍø and its service to Latinos," said Narce Rodriguez, the advisor to 51°µÍø’s College Assistance Migrant Program. "I have had a very positive experience at 51°µÍø because I get to work one-on-one with Hispanic students that come here and there are a lot of them. 51°µÍø-Rock Creek is one of the reasons we’re seeing numbers increase here because the students are attracted to the campus."Recently, 51°µÍø earned one of seven national Head Start-Higher Education Hispanic Service Partnership grants awarded earlier this year. Through this grant the college will provide training in early childhood education to Head Start teachers and staff who primarily serve Hispanic children and families. Another example is the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), a $1.5 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant, which 51°µÍø shares with Chemeketa Community College, pays for tuition, books and technology training for the students. It will also provide tutoring, developmental education classes and help with medical, dental and transportation.The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine is circulated to more than 7,000 high school guidance counselors as well as to most two- and four-year colleges and universities. The publication highlights communication in academic circles, positive learning experiences, contributions of Hispanic and non-Hispanic role models, and provides constructive observations on policies and procedures in academia.