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Grants Pass School District and RCC Foundation forge partnership to increase college-credit opportunities for students

Grants Pass School District and RCC Foundation forge partnership to increase college-credit opportunities for students

Grants Pass School District 7 and the Rogue Community College (RCC) Foundation are partnering to expand educational opportunities for Grants Pass students.

The Grants Pass School District (GPSD) is transferring approximately 350 acres of land on Stringer Gap Road, valued at more than $1 million, to the RCC Foundation. In return, the RCC Foundation will provide scholarships that will cover the cost of RCC college classes for GPSD students for years to come. The agreement was approved by both governing boards this week.

Under this partnership, the RCC Foundation plans to sell the donated land and establish an endowment to fund tuition scholarships for GPSD students. This endowment will grow over time, ensuring that tuition scholarships for GPSD students are available in perpetuity. Starting this fall, the RCC Foundation will award $20,000 in annual tuition scholarships for GPSD students, with the annual scholarship amount increasing in the 2029-30 academic year as the endowment matures.

“By creating a sustainable scholarship fund, many more students will have the opportunity to earn college credits and pursue higher education without financial barriers,” Grants Pass School District 7 Superintendent Tim Sweeney says. “This partnership is a testament to the power of creative and collaborative solutions in education. By leveraging resources and working together, we’re making a significant investment in the future of our students and our community.”

Currently, GPSD covers the cost of college-level courses for its students from the general fund. In the 2023-24 academic year alone, GPSD high school students earned 1,810 college credits through RCC. This initiative will enable more students to earn college credits while still in high school, with the hope that many of these students will continue their education at RCC after graduation.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership with the Grants Pass School District,” said Rogue Community College President Dr. Randy Weber. “GPSD is currently our largest partner in dual credit delivery, and this new initiative will only strengthen our relationship. We are excited about this innovative strategy that aligns perfectly with our institutional goal of increasing access to higher education. By providing sustainable scholarship opportunities, we are opening doors for many more students to achieve their academic dreams and contribute positively to our community's future.”