6/15/22 11:20 a.m.

Umpqua Community College will be receiving $1.2 million for a program geared to help recruit and retain rural students, according to a press release from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.

The release says the federal money for UCC will go towards its Work-based Integration into Rural Education program.

The funds will reportedly help implement a rural student early-outreach recruitment program, an accelerated learning expansion, as well as augmented career services for both high school and college students, regional work-based learning opportunities, and wraparound services for more than 900 students over three years.

Umpqua Community College President Rachel Pokrandt said in the release, “The grant pays for a UCC specialist to support the outlying communities of Days Creek, Elkton, Glendale, North Douglas, Riddle, Winston and Yoncalla. Supports will include career services, clear pathways to high wage and high demand workforce jobs, internship opportunities with industry partners, and wrap-around services such as advising, tutoring, mental health needs.”

The funds come from the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Program. Eastern Oregon University is also receiving a $1.2 million grant for its Achieving Careers for Rural Oregon Students Success program.