ASPIRE Encouraging higher education for everyone

  • In èßäÊÓƵ, we are determined to create a strong career & college-going culture in our high èßäÊÓƵs. Grant High School has embraced the State of Oregon’s ASPIRE program that offers education, support, and mentoring opportunities for all èßäÊÓƵ.

     ASPIRE student supports include 1:1 mentoring, group mentoring, and activities or events that focus on career exploration, career and college research, admissions applications, scholarships, and financial aid. If èßäÊÓƵ choose to participate in the mentor program, it is important to know that all ASPIRE staff and community mentors go through a background check and that confidentiality is required as mentors will have access to student academic records. Mentoring will take place in person or in a combination of virtual/electronic communication following PPS guidelines. If you do NOT want your child to participate in the ASPIRE program, please contact your Grant's College Coordinator to opt out of the ASPIRE program.

     

    ASPIRE Is Your Source For Planning For Life After High School!

    (Access to Student Assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) is Oregon’s statewide career and college readiness program that offers education, resources, and mentoring for èßäÊÓƵ. ASPIRE supports èßäÊÓƵ interested in furthering their education or training after high èßäÊÓƵ with career exploration, applying to college and/or training programs, scholarship applications and essays, and navigating the financial aid process. The program matches trained, supportive adult volunteer mentors with middle and high èßäÊÓƵ èßäÊÓƵ to help them develop a plan that meets their career and education goals. Want to get involved? Contact Grant's ASPIRE Coordinator, Mary Beth Snell at msnell@pps.net. 

     

    STUDENTS:

    ASPIRE offers mentoring to get èßäÊÓƵ in all grade levels thinking about and planning for their futures following high èßäÊÓƵ. An ASPIRE volunteer mentor can help you plan for your future, whether that includes community college or university, trade èßäÊÓƵ or an apprenticeship program, career pathways, short-term certificate programs, on-the-job training, or employment following high èßäÊÓƵ.

    Your ASPIRE mentor can help guide you to make your current dreams your future success. You can get support in exploring and applying for colleges, financial aid, scholarships, jobs, and career planning.

    See Ms. Snell in the College & Career Center (Room 128) or email msnell@pps.net for more information! 

     

    INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MENTOR? 

    No experience required! The ASPIRE Mentor position attracts a broad spectrum of adult volunteers. Many are parents/guardians of èßäÊÓƵ at the ASPIRE èßäÊÓƵ, professionals, some of whom are the first in their family to attend college, or retired community members. Volunteers do not have to have attended college themselves to be effective ASPIRE mentors. Volunteer mentors are screened and trained before working directly with èßäÊÓƵ.

    All volunteers must complete the PPS Volunteer Application and the . Once volunteers have been approved, they will meet with the ASPIRE Coordinator, Mary Beth Snell, to discuss the ASPIRE training.   

    Volunteer Mentors Should Have:

    • Desire and ability to work with teenage èßäÊÓƵ
    • Sensitivity to challenges faced by teenage èßäÊÓƵ
    • Interest in being trained in the college financial aid process
    • Dependability and a strong sense of commitment
    • Ability to maintain a patient, non-judgmental attitude
    • No experience required!

    We are always in need of new ASPIRE volunteers! For more information, please contact Mary Beth Snell at msnell@pps.net to learn how you can support and guide èßäÊÓƵ in all grade levels in planning for their futures!