Mission Statement
ASPIRE (Access to Student Assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone) provides mentoring and resources to help students access education and training beyond high school.

Description
ASPIRE advisors work one-on-one with high school students in helping them research and access post-secondary education. Our volunteer advisors help keep students accountable for applying for college and also in submitting their financial aid and scholarship applications. They assist them with their online research with careers and colleges. The most important role of the advisor is to provide another adult in the students life who is there to encourage and support them in their pursuit of an education beyond high school. Training is provided by the ASPIRE staff. Advisors generally serve 1 to 4 hours per month and all mentoring is done onsite at South Medford High School.

ASPIRE at South Medford High School
The ASPIRE program here at South Medford is important because it is giving every student an opportunity to further their education. It is also important in bringing the community and the high school together. I feel this program will help break down some preconceived notions about high school students that many community members have. My hope is that this program will be able to have sustainability power through the community volunteers.

Advisors must first pass a criminal background check and agree to do all advising at the high school during school hours. To learn more about the ASPIRE program you can visit the website at www.aspireoregon.org

Volunteer Information
Volunteers are trained by the ASPIRE administration team to become an ASPIRE Advisor.  The success of this program depends on their efforts and commitment.  ASPIRE Advisors are assigned to work one-on-one with students, guiding them through important steps toward postsecondary education including:  exploring career and college or vocational program options, planning ahead, finding the college or program that best fits the student's needs, applying for scholarships and other financial aid.

For more information, please contact
Robyn Kondziela SMHS ASPIRE Coordinator
842-1408