Inspired Newberry Country
OUR VISION
We envision an Inspired Newberry Country, where we expand access to quality education from childcare to community college, grow educational attainment levels, promote career development, and support lifelong learning.
OUR GAME CHANGER STRATEGY
I.1 Support Efforts to Increase Student Graduation Rates. ★
Support the newly formed South County Collaborative in its mission to keep Newberry Country students on track for graduation and success in life and foster strategic collaboration between public and private stakeholders and advocate for the enhancement and growth of career and technical facilities education (CTE) programs and for youth, bridging careers and education.
Rationale / Community Benefit: It is well-known that Newberry Country students lag behind the rest of Bend-La Pine schools in terms their educational atainment, including graduation rates of at- risk students. There are a number of contributing factors, including a larger percentage of lower income households and more frequent student absenteeism. There is also a perception that rural students simply do not receive the attention of those in urban areas. During an education focus group held by NRP in 2023, a major discussion theme was the lack of educational resources and financial support for students and teachers. South County Collaborative has made great strides in addressing these shortcomings. From its initial emphasis on actions to boost atainment, it has broadened its vision to include the social-emotional well-being of students and pathways to post- secondary opportunities. Increasing support and funding for the Collaborative promises a brighter future for Newberry Country’s most precious resource — its young people.
Implementation Timeline: 3-5 years
Recommended Lead Partners: South County Collaborative, La Pine High School, Newberry Regional Partnership
Potential Supporting Partners: Sunriver Women’s Club, La Pine Chamber of Commerce, Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce, Central Oregon Community College, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Youth Education
Related Strategies: See also Prosperous Newberry P.3
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES FOR AN INSPIRED NEWBERRY
I.2 Conduct a Needs Assessment for Comprehensive Childcare and Preschool Facilities.
Conduct a childcare needs assessment in Newberry Country to better understand the regional variance in childcare availability and cost. Determine the barriers families face in accessing preschool and early childhood education.
Implementation Timeline: 1-2 years
Recommended Lead Partners: Newberry Regional Partnership, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Sunriver/La Pine Economic Development, South County Collaborative
Potential Supporting Partners: La Pine Chamber of Commerce, Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce, NeighborImpact, Oregon State University
Related Strategies: See also Prosperous Newberry P.2
I.3 Engage with COCC to Develop a Satellite Program and Facility in La Pine. ★
Engage with Central Oregon Community College in a dialogue on developing a satellite COCC program and facility in La Pine. Explore a bond measure on a future ballot to expand COCC facilities and programs in South Deschutes County. Encourage large employers to sponsor higher education classes. Expand options for adult education and lifelong learning classes that meet the various needs and interests of residents.
Implementation Timeline: 3-5 years
Recommended Lead Partners: Central Oregon Community College, Sunriver/La Pine Economic Development
Potential Supporting Partners: South County Collaborative, La Pine High School, Local Employers
Related Strategies: See also Prosperous Newberry P.3
I.4 Expand After-School, STEAM and Summer Activities to Keep Students Engaged and Learning. ★
Expand the availability and accessibility of after-school programs and activities designed to
keep Newberry Country youth active, socially engaged and learning outside of traditional classrooms. Help to advance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) programs, enhancing student learning experiences and success in life. Keep youth active year-round by providing summer activities.
Implementation Timeline: 1-2 years
Recommended Lead Partners: South County Collaborative, Bend-La Pine School District, Camp Fire Central Oregon
Potential Supporting Partners: La Pine Park and Recreation District, Sunriver Music Festival, Sunriver Stars
Related Strategies: N/AOther Strategy Ideas Tested in the Community Poll for Future Consideration
Expand Music Education in all Newberry Country Schools to Improve Student Outcomes.
Recruit Business Owners and Senior Volunteers for In-School Programs.
Establish a Business/Foundation Supported Scholarship Fund for Area Students.
Expand and Support Active Parent-Teacher Organizations in Newberry Country Schools.