Oregon Tech and Bonanza Junior/Senior High School collaborate to bring college-level biology to rural students

Bonanza biology class with Oregon Tech

Oregon Tech has launched a new initiative to bring advanced biology instruction to Bonanza Junior/Senior High School students. This partnership helps address the shortage of certified science teachers in rural areas by allowing high school students to take real-time, synchronous online classes from Oregon Tech faculty while earning college credits.

The collaboration began due to a critical shortage of science teachers in rural communities. Schools in these areas often struggle to offer specialized classes like advanced science. Oregon Tech faculty saw the opportunity to use technology to bring high-quality biology instruction directly to Bonanza, filling a gap and providing students with a broader curriculum.

"We are offering a class designed to provide students interested in science with an advanced education that can be transferred to any institution as credit toward their degree in science," said Interim Dean of the College of Health, Arts, and Sciences Dr. Nate Bickford. "This course not only covers essential scientific concepts but also emphasizes critical thinking and practical application, making it highly relevant for students planning to pursue careers in various scientific fields."

Bonanza students now attend real-time online biology lectures with an Oregon Tech instructor during scheduled times and are supported in person by a Bonanza teacher. Students also visit Oregon Tech's campus twice per term for hands-on lab sessions to help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Oregon Tech to offer college courses in science to our students," said Bonanza Junior/Senior High School Principal Jordan Osborn. "For our students to have the opportunity to be taught by the faculty at Oregon Tech and to be on their campus for labs is a game changer for our kids. We are proud to be the first school to partner in this way and hope to grow the opportunities in the future!"

By enrolling in this class, students can gain a solid foundation that aligns with the requirements of science majors, ultimately enhancing their academic profiles and preparing them for success in higher education.

"Oregon Tech is committed to finding innovative ways to bring quality education to all communities, including those in rural areas where students often lack access to university-level opportunities," said Environmental Sciences Instructor Kerry Farris, who is teaching the virtual classes. "We are working hard to bridge that gap by developing creative solutions that provide students with the resources they need to succeed, no matter where they live."

Students in the program earn up to four college credits per term. These credits can be transferred to other universities or count toward their future degrees at Oregon Tech.

The partnership helps address the teacher shortage and allows rural districts like Bonanza to offer college-level classes that would otherwise not be available.

"Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the partnership by incorporating additional subject areas to create a more comprehensive curriculum," Bickford said. "There is also interest in extending this collaboration to other rural schools experiencing similar challenges, thereby enhancing educational opportunities for even more students across the region."

Learn more about Oregon Tech's Educational Partnerships and Outreach office at www.oit.edu/educational-partnerships.

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