The ASPIRE program at North Bend High School has a unique history, a history of which we are very proud.

In 1992 a North Bend High School counselor named Liz Curtis developed a volunteer program called North Bend Career Advisors.  Over the years, the North Bend Career Advisors became know as “Naggers."  Naggers provided guidance and assistance to students in their pursuit of information on colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools, apprenticeships, careers, financial aid, scholarships, SAT/ACT tests, and NCAA registration.

With this individual help our students began to significantly increase the number of scholarships they applied to and won.  Scholarship foundations in Oregon took notice and began a pilot program in Oregon under the name of ASPIRE.  The program proved to be so successful in helping students that at the end of the pilot period the foundations decided to continue and even expand the ASPIRE program.

In 2002, North Bend High School decided to join with ASPIRE and take advantage of the information, training, and support that ASPIRE provides. 

Who volunteers?

Mentors are adults in our community, many of whom work part or full-time jobs.  Volunteers have varied backgrounds: nurses, accountants, homemakers, real estate agents, chefs, doctors, biologists, and the list goes on.  The one thing these volunteers have in common is a desire to help students achieve a better future and finance necessary training in a cost-effective manner.

How does the program work?

First things first.  A person interested in becoming a Mentor fills out our volunteer application and background check forms.  Before any adult works with a student we must have this paperwork completed and processed.

Next, we begin training the volunteer for the work they will be doing with students.  No volunteer is expected to come into the program knowing all there is to know.  In fact, one of the most important qualities to come to this job with is a willingness to learn.

Now the fun begins!  The volunteer is assigned anywhere from one to ten (you choose the number so don’t panic!) students for the year.  Ideally, mentors will meet with assigned students at the end of students' junior year and then pick up again in September and continue through May of the same school year. 

Volunteers spend an average of 2-3 hours every three weeks meeting with their students.   The number of volunteer hours put in depends on your schedule combined with the needs of your assigned students.  These meetings must always take place at the school and during regular school hours.  We have a College and Career Center dedicated specifically to the ASPIRE program at North Bend High School and Mentors generally meet with their students in that room.

We have one program coordinator at North Bend High School. Our coordinator is available to provide ongoing training and resource materials as well as answer questions.

Why Volunteer for this Program?

This program provides the volunteer with the opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life.  For families who have children in school, this is also an excellent way to learn about post high school education and how to make it more affordable for your own children. 

We would love to provide you with more information if you are interested in volunteering! 

For more information contact:
Amanda Volgarino-Goll, avolgarino@nbend.k12.or.us
HS Room 6 Extension--541-751-7105