Oregon Leadership Institute

A primary focus of OLI is to provide leadership opportunities for Latino youth. The Institute enlists college students to serve as mentors for high school students. Over an eight-month period, participating Latinos learn skills in leadership, team building, conflict resolution, intercultural communication and public speaking. This partnership with higher education institutions throughout Oregon focuses on cultural pride and continuing education.

These selected Latino college students thrive in both their academic studies and personal live as they learn skills necessary to facilitate OLI sessions, communicate with the youth and their families, and support the cultural emphasis of the program. Many of these college mentors are OLI graduates, and many are the first in their families to attend college.

Currently, there are over 50 registered students representing 11 different high schools from Clackamas & Marion counties.Over 1,600 students have graduated from OLI since the first Institute began in 1986.

These students want to continue their participation until such time as they graduate from high school. Their intention is to assume the role of OLI mentor when they are in college--a goal the program strongly encourages.

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