In higher education, equity becomes possible when BIPOC, first-generation, and underserved students have access to resources, opportunities, and support that can empower them to bring forth institutional and societal change. Join the University of Oregon for a reception featuring DucksRISE Program Manager Feather Crawford and DucksRISE students Yazzie Chee and Karla Barajas, to learn how UO is supporting and uplifting underrepresented students and preparing them to create the world they wish to inhabit.

On Wednesday, May 3, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the J. Scott Cellars on 5th Tasting Room, Feather will present on the transformative impact DucksRISE has had on the lives of students and on the university itself. Feather will share the strategies deployed by the DucksRISE team to provide wrap-around support, build community, foster career-readiness, and connect students to resources, networks, and opportunities. Yazzie and Karla will speak to their experiences as members of the inaugural DucksRISE cohort and their current positions as DucksRISE Peer Mentors. Centering the voices, aspirations, and well-being of DucksRISE students while also offering concrete research, internship, and student engagement is proof of concept that equity in higher education is possible if BIPOC and first-generation students are supported and empowered to lead the way.

This reception is part of our Oregon Effect Series, an outreach initiative letting folks around the state know what University of Oregon is doing to improve the lives of everyday Oregonians by bringing UO experts into the community for small-group discussions.