ECMC Foundation grants more than $76,000 to OICF colleges for student mentoring

ECMC Foundation has awarded $76,632 to the OICF for a series of peer mentoring projects on the member college campuses in 2006-07.  The overall intent of the projects are to increase retention among students from underrepresented populations, including minority and first generation students.  The concept of peer mentoring matches up older students (typically juniors and seniors) with first year students to help these new students connect with the campus and build friendships.  Research suggests that peer mentoring can be an especially effective method to increase student retention between the first and second year.  Jenny Wise, President of ECMC Foundation, said, “Student mentoring is a high priority for ECMC Foundation and our partnership with the OICF provides a wonderful opportunity to make a broad impact across a group of small colleges and universities—institutions that can offer a highly personalized education for these young people.”

Funding levels for various OICF members includes:
Concordia University - $10,000
George Fox University – $7,340
Lewis & Clark College – $15,000
Linfield College – $10,800
Pacific University – $5,475
Reed College – $5,000
University of Portland – $10,000
Warner Pacific College – $12,042
Willamette University – $975

Click here to download 9/13/06 press release

Contact: Brent Wilder at brent@oicf.org or 503-227-7595.