Bonanza Jr./Sr. High School has been named one of seven inaugural winners of the College Access Champion Award from Oregon Goes to College. The award recognizes schools that go above and beyond to prepare students for success after graduation.
The honor highlights Bonanza’s commitment to expanding opportunities for all students – from innovative dual credit partnerships with Oregon Tech and Sky Lakes Medical Center to hands-on career pathways in construction, health occupations, education, and marketing.
Principal Jordan Osborn said the recognition reflects the school’s vision for equity and access in rural Oregon.
“If we’re going to be a great school, we have to provide opportunities across the board for all of our students,” Osborn said. “Some of that comes through dual credit, some through health occupations or construction, but it all comes down to being college- and career-prepared. We’re really proud of the expansion of opportunities our students now have.”
Through its GEAR UP grant, Bonanza has been able to fund a full-time college and career readiness facilitator who works alongside staff to guide students through college applications, FAFSA completion, job fairs, and career exploration activities.
In the past few years, Bonanza has expanded its dual credit offerings dramatically:
- Juniors can now take dual credit courses, including environmental science.
- Seniors have access to as many as five college-level classes, including calculus, psychology, and a full biology series through Oregon Tech as well as health occupations classes through a Sky Lakes Medical Center partnership.
- Several Bonanza graduates are already on track to complete their bachelor’s degrees in three years thanks to these opportunities.
Despite its rural location – nearly 40 miles from many higher education institutions – Bonanza has created innovative solutions to ensure access. Students take Oregon Tech classes via Zoom with in-person labs scheduled monthly, while teachers in Bonanza classrooms reinforce learning alongside university professors.
“It’s easy for suburban schools to connect with college opportunities. For our kids, it takes creativity and strong partnerships,” Osborn said. “Sky Lakes and Oregon Tech have been incredible partners, and our students are thriving.”
This year, Bonanza students can take Health Occupations through a partnership with Sky Lakes Medical Center. The students attend zoom classes from their school and then gain firsthand experience doing medical rounds.
As part of the recognition, Bonanza Jr./Sr. High School will receive a College Access Champion banner to display proudly in its building.
“We didn’t even know there was an award – but our kids deserve equitable opportunity, and they’re kicking down barriers to get it,” Osborn said. “This recognition isn’t just about Bonanza; it’s about showing that rural schools can lead the way in preparing students for what comes next. We are champions for all students.”
Oregon Goes To College is a statewide initiative of Oregon GEAR UP, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and supported by Oregon State University.
