Press Releases

10-10-2006 09:09 AM

Three Rivers Launches Freshmen with Futures Program

More than 100 local employers volunteer to work in Three Rivers high schools

Three Rivers Launches Freshmen with Futures Program

GRANTS PASS, OR – With an extraordinary show of support, more than 130 mentors from 100 employers in the Grants Pass area have volunteered to meet with high school freshmen in the Three Rivers School District to help improve freshmen transition to high school. Research shows the ninth grade is pivotal for high school students, and those students who have had a successful 9th grade year almost always graduate high school, and are usually prepared to go on to some form of post-secondary education.

The program, Freshmen with Futures, will connect volunteers with small groups of students on a monthly basis to serve as role models and help them understand the value of their education and why it is important to the “real world of work.” In addition, students will visit local employers to see first hand what skills are required in the workplace. Mentors will provide a community connection aimed toward helping students shape a vision for their future and understand the relevance of education in assisting them attain their dreams and goals.

“The response from the community has been remarkable,” said Jann Taylor, director of curriculum and programs for the Three Rivers School District. “I think employers recognize this is important for students, and for their future workforce needs, and can see it’s a very manageable program to get involved in.”

Freshmen with Futures is connected to the schools’ career unit, and was developed in partnership with E3: Employers for Education Excellence. A leadership team, co-chaired by Dr. Jerry Fritts, superintendent of the Three Rivers School District, and Mr. Marty Bauer, president of Portola Properties, met with local business and education leaders to develop the program and begin recruitment of employer volunteers. An E3 project manager helped guide the team through a strategic planning process. “The school district and business leaders have an excellent program model, “said Kyle Ritchey-Noll, E3 project manager. “The start-up process was very smooth, thanks in large part to Jann Taylor and the district office. They were very organized and that built credibility for the project among employers.”

“Creating a vibrant learning environment for students includes establishing and holding both students and adults accountable for academic achievement,” said Dr. Jerry Fritts, Superintendent of Three Rivers School District. “Working with the E3 staff and utilizing the community partnership model, we believe our current partnerships with business and community leaders will be moved to a higher level and the winners in this venture will be our students.”

Volunteers recently attended mentor orientation sessions and will begin meeting with students at Hidden Valley High School, Illinois Valley High School, and North Valley High School in October. Mentors will guide students through activities and discussions designed to help establish bridges between what happens in the classroom and the workplace. The year will culminate in a “Futures Fair” in the spring.

For a complete list of employers and community volunteers working with students in the Three Rivers program visit www.E3Oregon.org,

Freshmen with Futures is a part of the statewide E3 Partnership for Student Success program and is supported by a broad coalition of education organizations including the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon School Boards Association, Oregon Education Association, Oregon Department of Education, and Oregon University System, with funding provided by the Oregon Community Foundation and many of Oregon’s leading employers.

Contact: Jann Taylor
Three Rivers School District
(541) 862-3111 ex: 5207

Charlie LaTourette,
E3: Employers for Education Excellence
(503) 595-7615

Copyright © 2006 Grants Pass Climate