4J ACTS and Pathways programs continue for 2016–17
New state laws restrict student eligibility
The 4J ACTS and Pathways school-to-college transition programs will continue in 2016–17 with some adjustments due to recent legislative changes.
These post-high-school programs provide students a strong college start in a structured education program at Lane Community College. Participating students—about 100 a year—are ready to graduate at the end of their fourth year of high school, but remain enrolled in 4J while taking classes at LCC under 4J’s sponsorship and guidance for one year.
State laws have changed
Oregon Promise (Senate Bill 81): Beginning in 2016, the Oregon Promise offers graduating Oregon high school seniors and GED recipients an opportunity to have all or most of their community college tuition covered if they meet certain eligibility requirements including a 2.5 GPA. (Learn more about Oregon Promise)
Post-Graduate Scholar Programs (Senate Bills 1537 and 898): New legislation allows 4J ACTS, Pathways, and other Oregon districts’ fifth-year high school programs to continue but imposes new restrictions and requirements and reduces state school funding over time.
Under the new state laws, programs like 4J ACTS and Pathways may not enroll students who are eligible for the Oregon Promise or students who live outside of the school district, among other restrictions. The change is effective with the 2016–17 school year.
What this means for students
Most 4J students who are graduating this spring and summer and who applied by the deadline will be eligible for Oregon Promise to pay all or most of their community college tuition for next year and beyond.
Students currently enrolled in 4J ACTS and Pathways may complete the 2015–16 school year in the program. Students who applied for 4J ACTS or Pathways for the 2016–17 school year were notified that they may be eligible for Oregon Promise instead, or may remain eligible to enroll in 4J ACTS or Pathways if they met all the requirements.
The result of these legislative changes and 4J schools’ efforts to support students in applying is that nearly every 2016 graduate who applied for one of these tuition programs will have access to free or nearly free community college tuition after high school.
