Oregon GEAR UP's model serves as a framework for a school's college and career readiness efforts that includes partnerships with other programs. The Juntos program, which supports Latino families in motivating students to attend education after high school, is a natural fit for GEAR UP schools, with several communities participating including Boardman, Culver, Dayton, Lincoln City, Newport and Umatilla.

A program of OSU's Open Campus, Juntos (meaning “together” in Spanish) addresses the fact that Latino students are underrepresented in higher education with culturally-relevant workshops, family nights, advising and college visits. From 2011-2017, 2,500+ students and parents in 24 communities across Oregon participated, with students boasting 100% high school graduation and 92% postsecondary access.

Juntos Service Areas 2017-18

Juntos map of service

"Having Juntos on campus for the past two years we are seeing marked gains from family involvement to student success with our Hispanic population," said Brad Kudlac, principal at Culver High School. "Some students that never passed a state assessment are passing and excelling in school."

The Juntos program continues to expand, adding sites in southern and eastern Oregon and the Columbia Gorge in 2017-18. For more information or to bring Juntos to your community, visit their website.