SCHOOLS

South Salem students can now earn college business credits through Oregon Tech partnership

South Salem High School sophomores Arnav Mohindra, left, Ali Kirk and Holly Kansky practice a DECA presentation in the school library on Feb. 20, 2020 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)

South Salem High School students taking business and marketing classes can now earn college credit, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

The school is the third in Oregon to join the Oregon Institute of Technology’s “Jump Into Business” program, which allows high school students to receive credit for a full term of college business courses for $500. Taking the same courses at Oregon Tech would cost about $3,000 in tuition.

It’s happening through the school’s DECA program, an international business and marketing leadership organization. South’s chapter is led by teacher John Dixon.

Dixon’s students take courses in marketing, business and economics and compete in state and national DECA events, presenting business and marketing plans.

About 210 South Salem students are in the program, making it the largest high school chapter in Oregon. Last year, 64 qualified for international competition, Dixon said.

Many want to go on to study business or a related field.

Partnering with Oregon Tech gives students a chance to earn college credits that can transfer to any public Oregon college.

Sophomores Ali Kirk, Arnav Mohindra and Holly Kansky said they weren’t likely to attend Oregon Tech, based in Klamath Falls, but still intended to pursue the credits.

The trio competed at the state DECA competition last weekend, presenting their plan for an app to help the elderly with dementia or other memory issues connect with family and stay on top of their care.

“It’s less about Oregon Tech and more … just getting those paid for,” Mohindra said. He’s interested in a medical career but said marketing and business experience will help regardless.

Students who opt for the credits would still have to apply to Oregon Tech and maintain a certain GPA, but If accepted, they’d get their first and last quarter of college for free under the program, according to business professor Sandra Bailey said. The high school credits cover another quarter, effectively making a full year of college free.

Oregon Tech has a Portland campus, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, science, healthcare and engineering fields.

The university announced a partnership with two Klamath Falls high schools in December through existing DECA or Future Business Leaders of America programs, then added South Salem soon after because of the strength of its curriculum and DECA program.

“Before they leave his curriculum, they’re very prepared with four, five college level courses under their belt … but they were not getting college credit for it,” said Bailey. “It was a perfect match.”

Enrollment at Oregon’s public colleges and universities has been falling for several years, but Oregon Tech has seen an increase in students, with about 5,300 enrolled last school year.

But Bailey said the college is looking to increase its completion rate – the percentage of students who earn a degree or certificate.

High school students with a good track record of involvement in a demanding program like DECA are more likely to be “very ready to hit the ground running” and to graduate, she said.

Oregon Tech also wants to expand enrollment in its business programs.

Bailey said the three schools participating this year are a pilot, and about 10 other high school business programs have reached out asking to sign on. Oregon Tech will consider expanding the partnership to other schools starting next year.

Reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.

Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers city news, education, nonprofits and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade. Outside of work, she’s a skater and board member with Salem’s Cherry City Roller Derby and can often be found with her nose buried in a book.