The Ford Family Foundation

Rural Oregon offers a beautiful and challenging landscape that requires unique approaches to health care. And it's not just Oregon — nationwide, rural communities face a disproportionate shortage of qualified health care providers. Respondents of the #OregonVoices survey project made it clear that there is an urgent need for more health care options in rural communities. On #NationalRuralHealthDay and every day, we recognize the efforts of rural healthcare providers and organizations dedicated to addressing the needs of Oregon's rural communities. Learn more about your community's perspective on health care at ORVoices.org/Health.

Applications are now open for this year's Douglas County Fund For Teachers program. ?? Teachers can receive awards up to $5,000 (or up to $10,000 for teams) for summer learning experiences that improve their classrooms, schools and communities. Eligible K-12 public school educators in Douglas County are strongly encouraged to apply at the link below. Now in its eighth year, this initiative is part of our ongoing work to support Oregon teachers and leaders who collaborate to improve students' academic and life outcomes. #DouglasCounty #FundForTeachers

Our alumni ambassadors are helping meet students and their families where they are on their journeys to college. “Most of the Hispanic high school students I encounter are first generation. Their parents don’t know the process and they have no one to talk to. They can better relate to someone like an ambassador that has been through it all.” - Daisy Tapia Gonzalez, alumni ambassador #AlumniCommunity #HigherEducation

Scholarship info season is here! ?? If you're a high school advisor or teacher, please help us spread the word about our upcoming Ford Scholars virtual event: “Money for College” Ford Scholars Info Session Thursday, November 21, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm High school students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, Calif. and their families are invited to join. They'll hear from our Scholarship Office staff with application tips, plus recent Ford Scholars graduates who will share information about their pathways to college. Registration is now open at https://lnkd.in/gAxsHwR4.

To Toya Fick, Romanita H., and to all the women and men who are leading with courage and love, across different places and spaces, thank you. https://lnkd.in/gd8wEduD

In discussing civic duties and political engagement, we must not overlook celebration and hope. Sam Kang of the Civics Learning Project highlights insights from Todd Bloomquist of the The Ford Family Foundation, emphasizing our need to consciously incorporate joy into our conversations and actions. Celebratory moments Sam references include a diversification of the identities and communities represented in our elected officials in recent years. Clip from our recent webinar "Lifting the Fog: After Election Day," accessible on our website.

It's a pleasure to introduce Tim Inman as our first-ever Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer. A sixth-generation Oregonian, he was born and raised on a farm in Elmira. Tim spent more than a decade in key staff roles in the House of Representatives and Oregon politics. He most recently served as VP of Government and Community Relations at the University of Oregon. "My role has always been to bridge gaps between different groups along the political spectrum. That’s the way people come together for solutions."

In qualitative #OregonVoices survey data, we heard people sharing about the challenges they feel in community. Yet they’re holding onto hope for connection and hometown spirit. Across political identities, Oregonians know there is strength in community. Oregon’s kids count on us to stick together for the sake of their education, the prosperity of the places they grow up, and their futures. How can we see each other’s complexities, and how can doing so help us all build stronger foundations for our kids? Explore the data at https://lnkd.in/eBU_UN56.

Who are transfer students? #NationalTransferStudentWeek While many transfer over from two-year to four-year schools, recent data also show that the number of students who begin their college journey at a four-year school and transfer out is growing. A student’s decision to transfer schools can be prompted by personal, social, financial, or academic reasons. Every transfer journey is different, and thriving through transferring is possible — it takes all of us to create environments where students can fully apply their strengths and confidently navigate the transfer experience. Read our report on supporting Oregon's transfer students, including recommended policies and practices for ensuring their success. https://lnkd.in/gbZSdHDw

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Keavy Cook, who currently serves as Director of Children, Youth and Families program, to the inaugural role of Vice President of Programs. She will direct the our grantmaking practice and process, support program strategy and ensure cross-program alignment. “It’s an honor to lead with people who are so passionate about making change," says Keavy. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gEEnXBUd