This content was published: February 1, 2002. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Media Advisory: PCC's Oregon Leadership Institute Helps Hispanic Youth
Photos and story by James Hill
ROCK CREEK CAMPUS – On Saturday, Feb. 16, PCC President Jesus "Jess"Carreon will speak on leadership to approximately 60 Latino youth, all of whom are participants in PCC’s Oregon Leadership Institute. Carreon, who became PCC’s fourth president last July, will share his personal story, the obstacles he faced and overcame, and making a commitment to make a difference in the world as it becomes more multi-cultural. The presentation is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the college’s Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Road in the Forum room of Building 3. The youth, ages 15 to 19, are all juniors or seniors from Washington County high schools and are part of a regional program designed to provide Latino youth throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore career options and gain access to higher education institutions. The eight-month program consists of eight classroom sessions and a graduation. One the sessions features an outdoor challenge and camping trip. Students explore ideas like "Why Vote,""Culture and Heritage,""Personal Power and Responsibility,""What is a Leader,"and "How to Get to College."Since 1986, more than 1000 Latino youth have participated in the program. PCC sponsored its first group in 1998. There are six other community college sites across the state. Participating high schools in the PCC program include Forest Grove, Glencoe, Hillsboro, Century, Beaverton, Sunset, Merlo Station, Aloha, Westview and Southridge.Portland Community College, the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon, also serves the highest number of ethnic minority college students in the state, 24 percent. The Latino student representation was 10 percent for the 2001 school year.For more information on PCC’s OLI program, contact Paul Halloran at 503-614-7438, phallora@pcc.edu.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »