The Office Group, a Bend, OR non-profit organization started in 2014, offers hard-working and deserving high school students in unique situations the services necessary to maximize their higher education possibilities at little or no cost. Support services include College Counseling, Academic Monitoring, Tutoring and Social Mentorship. A strategic component of The Office Group strategy is to offer
these services in a welcoming physical space located within a short walking distance of the high school population served. At The Office Group, we feel every student should have the opportunity to attend a College, University or Trade School, or have a defined career path that will allow them be. We work with high school students of all ages and abilities to help them maximize their post-high school potential. Students can be recommended to us by parents, teachers, counselors, advocates, coaches or anyone who knows a student who has the ability and desire to do greater things. Students must submit an application to be considered for placement in The Office Group. Parents or guardians must also agree to support their student in the requirements of the program. Once accepted, students become “members” for one school year. Members must reapply to the program each year. In order to be successful, The Office Group requires that members be fully committed to the program. Members are tracked daily by the Executive Director on academic progress and school attendance and are required to meet weekly with staff to review ongoing performance, assess upcoming high school assignments/academic plans and prepare for post-secondary education. Members will also spend a designated amount of time at The Office Group location studying or fulfilling other duties as a member of The Office Group. In addition, The Office Group strives to expose members to a variety of experiences that will hopefully help shape their future and refine their aspirations. These experiences include college campus tours and frequent guest speakers in our offices. Guest speakers cover topics from financial aid and life strategies to inspirational stories from individuals who have overcome challenging situations. We also encourage our members to participate in community service projects. We work with members to identify projects and opportunities that will allow them to utilize their strengths and expand their leadership experience. At The Office Group, we believe dreams can come true with hard work by our members and the right support from our team.
