An article originally published in the East Oregonian (dated May 23, 2010) and posted on the Pendelton School District website cites the effect of the program on students at Pendleton High School—one of the 8 participating schools in Oregon—including a high incidence of turnaround in students’ academic progress.

The ECMC Scholars Program, sponsored by ECMC Foundation, provides academic mentoring and scholarships to students who need additional support to graduate from high school and prepare for higher education.

The article includes feedback from students who have successfully completed or are on their way to completing the program.

“This program has done exactly what it’s supposed to do,” said senior Gunner Nemechek, “and it shouldn’t stop.”

“I was going nowhere fast,” Nemechek said. “Now, here I am with a lot of hopes and dreams that are hopefully going to . . . actually come true.”

According to the article, students aren’t the only ones benefitting from the ECMC Scholars Program. Dale Freeman, a faculty member at Pendleton, says his experience with the program over the last two years has transformed him as a teacher.

“It’s totally changed the way I work with kids,” Freeman said, noting himself as a more patient, understanding educator. “I think they’ve made me a lot better teacher.”

Read the full article:

• Florip, Eric. "‘Finish strong’: At-risk teens take an active approach, stay focused on the goal of graduation." East Oregonian. May 23, 2010.