Oregon Community Table on Postsecondary Education and Training
OCTPET Is Oregon’s first statewide community advocacy group focused on addressing the disparities in education of our underrepresented students in postsecondary education and training. However, our roots stem from CAPACES Leadership Institute following the work of former Representative Teresa Alonso Leon where she led the Join Task Force on Underrepresented Students in Higher Education in 2022. Through this Task Force they centered the voices of underrepresented Students in postsecondary higher education.
The Task force was made up of 8 legislators, and along with community and education partners, they traveled across the state of Oregon visiting 11 public institutions in person and virtually. They also prioritized talking with incarcerated students from two different facilities.
The members of the Oregon Community Table on Postsecondary Education and Training, work in collaboration by meeting virtually on a regular basis to discuss and identify or create new policies for the upcoming legislative sessions to help transform our postsecondary education systems to better meet the needs of our growing underrepresented students in Oregon. With the help of our Community Education Champions, and members alike go through civic and advocacy training to be prepared to share their lived experiences virtually or physically at the state capital before committee members and when they meet with state legislators.
Our Purpose...
To transform our postsecondary higher education systems to better serve underrepresented and underserved students in Oregon by advocating for equity, access, affordability, through policy change.
Our Approach...
Policy Monitoring and Reporting:
Implementing a system to track and report on the progress of higher education equity legislation will significantly enhance our role as a responsible and influential entity in the educational sector. This will not position us as a watchdog, but as a knowledgeable and trusted partner ensuring the success of these initiatives.
Convening Diverse Stakeholders:
By becoming a central hub for convening stakeholders from various backgrounds, we can amplify the diversity of voices and perspectives in our discussions. This approach will enrich our understanding and create a more inclusive environment for policy development.
Coalition Building:
Establishing a coalition under our leadership will unify efforts towards common goals in higher education equity. This coalition would serve as a powerful collective, advocating for change and pooling resources and expertise for greater impact.
Establishing a Policy Think Tank:
Evolving into a think tank focused on higher education policies will position us as a leading source of innovative ideas and research. This will enable us to proactively address challenges and influence policy at a foundational level.