Developed by the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement (OCHA), the Oregon Leadership institute (OLI) is an exciting leadership development program for Hispanic students.  It focuses on leadership and mentoring skills development and pairs Hispanic college level students with Hispanic high school students. OCHA is working with Rogue Community college on implementing the program in Jackson County, and provides training and curriculum support to the instructor and mentors.

The Oregon Leadership Institute promotes high school and postsecondary completion.  OLI, ultimately, invites students to become leaders who stand out and make a difference in their schools and communities, and to set ambitious goals that are made realistic by the skills they learn.  It also connects students to professionals and to other OLI students around the northwest which enhances their network and potentially their sphere of opportunity and influence.

RCC staff believes that OLI gives Hispanic youth the tools to enter and complete postsecondary education and positively engages them for the common good.  The college is working in collaboration with three area high schools this year, the ESD, and OCHA, and the Chamber Latino Network.  This association is anticipated to grow wider in subsequent years.