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Oregon Leadership Institute (OLI)

Developed by the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement (OCHA), the Oregon Leadership Institute (OLI) is an exciting leadership development program with a focus on the rich Latinx heritage of the participants and our Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) community. OLI focuses on leadership and mentoring skills development by pairing college-level students with Latinx high school students. 

The program promotes high school and post-secondary completion by offering a tuition-free series of workshops and training sessions during the fall, winter and spring terms. High school students also attend tuition-free sessions and activities throughout the school year. This collaboration prioritizes cultural pride to promote both individual and community development. Over an eight-month period, participants enjoy activities focused on culture and heritage, leadership, team building, self-esteem, identity, holistic health, conflict resolution, intercultural communication, public speaking, and more. The program concludes with an end-of-the-year activity and graduation ceremony. 

The OLI program is an opportunity for MHCC students to learn valuable leadership skills. Mentors meet as a group once a week where they learn and practice the skills needed to provide guidance as role models. 

OLI mentors are responsible for assisting the program coordinator in monthly sessions held on Saturdays and connecting with the students. People interested in mentoring need to be committed to attending all the weekly mentor meetings as well as all eight Saturday sessions that take place once a month. These sessions begin in October and ending in June with graduation.