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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 27, 2021)
PAGE A2, KEIZERTIMES, AUGUST 27, 2021 of the Week McNary students to benefi t from $1.5 mil. Chemeketa grant presented by ERIKA MARTINEZ Where and how do you volunteer? "I volunteer at the Keizer Chamber of Commerce, Capital FC Timbers and West Salem Athletic Booster Club. I do numerous community and fundraising events with Keizer Chamber and Capital FC Timbers and I serve on the board at West Salem Athletic Booster Club." Why do you volunteer? "I volunteer because I feel it is very important to give back to the community we live in. There is so much to be done and if we all do a little to give back it makes a huge diff erence. It's how change happens." What does volunteering do for you? "I volunteer because it fi lls my cup. There is no greater feeling Rochelle Farris, former College and Career Advisor at McNary High School. JOEY CAPPELLETTI Of the Keizertimes McNary students will directly benefi t from a $1.54 million grant Chemeketa Community College received earlier this month to increase dual enrollment accessibility for underrepresented stu- dent groups. “Chemeketa’s dual enrollment pro- gram opens the world of college-going to hundreds of high school students each year,” said Jessica Howard, Chemeketa’s president, in a written statement. “With this grant, we will be able to extend that opportunity to more students, particu- larly those in rural areas and those who have faced barriers due to historic mar- ginalization. The grant funds courses, teacher training, technology and college advising to increase the number of stu- dents completing college." Chemeketa’s College Credit Now department allows high school students to begin earning college credit before graduation and for a fraction of the cost. For $30 a year, students can take classes at their high school, taught by certifi ed teachers, and earn both high school and college credit. “Many of our students graduate with almost enough credits to complete their fi rst year of college because of the classes they take,” said Rochelle Farris, who served as McNary’s college and career advisor for fi ve years. “It reduces the amount that they are going to have FILE PHOTO, Keizertimes to pay for an associate or bachelor’s degree by a signifi cant amount.” A total of 163 students from McNary participated in Chemeketa’s dual enroll- ment program last year, taking a com- bined 1,812 dual enrollment credits and saving $169,877 compared to what the class would cost at Chemeketa. In total, Chemeketa’s College Credit Now department saved 1,682 Oregon high school students a combined $1.27 million last year. Sara Hastings, Chemeketa’s dean of high school partnerships, said that with the grant, the college hopes “to focus on identifying gaps at the schools that we serve where certain students aren’t par- ticipating in dual enrollment programs.” than knowing that I am making a diff erence in my community and helping others in need." How would you get others to volunteer in their community? "Find something you are passionate about and fi nd a way to help build that passion in your community." BRIAN & APRIL McVAY 503.510.6827 - Call or Text anytime As lifelong residents, we are your Keizer neighbor. We know this market and we are here to help! Enjoying real estate since 1998 3975 River Rd N • Suite 3 • Keizer Oregon Licensed Real Estate Brokers