Pathways to Opportunity
Record economic growth, historically low unemployment rates, and increasing rates of educational attainment have occurred across Oregon since the last recession (Leher, 2019). Unfortunately, this growth has not taken place across all communities. Growing disparities in educational attainment and income are increasing for communities of color and rural residents, stagnating economic mobility for generations. At the same time, employers are in need of a more robust and skilled talent pool to meet their workforce needs. Community colleges are working to address these disparities and to fill these skills gaps.
Oregon is leading the way through the Pathways to Opportunity initiative. Pathways to Opportunity closes opportunity gaps and increases economic mobility by expanding the federal, state, and local resources available to low-income students so more people can attend and complete college.
Learn more about this ground-breaking work: