Juntos works to em­power students and families in Oregon around education

STUDENTS | FAMILY | EDUCATION

The OSU Juntos Program bridges education institutions and families across the state, recognizing education as a shared family journey. Through local partnerships, we equip students and their families with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to achieve their middle, high school, and post-secondary education and career goals. As part of OSU’s Extension Service, Juntos delivers tailored programming to meet the unique needs of each region and county we serve. 

Juntos means “together” in Spanish, reflecting the program’s core values of involving the entire family and school partners in supporting students’ educational goals. 

Juntos is a multi-component college and career access program designed to transform pathways to higher education for youth and their families by bringing participants and educational institutions together. Juntos is unique among college access programs because it engages the entire family, is primarily offered in Spanish, and minimizes barriers to participation. Juntos Coordinators are based in the regions they serve, directly connected with partners and program participants to offer program components. 

Our commitment continues past milestones. With a consistent and sustained presence, local Juntos coordinators ensure students and families are supported together throughout their educational journeys. Our work across Oregon invests in youth and families, builds strong partnerships, and impacts entire communities. Ensuring more Oregonians have the opportunities and support to reach their goals. 

Program components include:  

• College and career family engagement curriculum series for middle school/high school students 

• Family nights addressing academic and social topics 

• Juntos Family Day at Oregon State University campuses  

• Juntos Afuera 

• Juntos Academia 

• Student clubs, mentoring and advising for youth 

• Regional and statewide summer camps 

Juntos was brought to Oregon in 2012 by OSU Open Campus program. Madras, located in Central Oregon’s Jefferson County, was the first community to implement the program. That earlier version of the program was originally developed by North Carolina State University, since then Juntos has evolved to meet the needs and of Oregonian students and includes new program components.  

The first Juntos Cohort in 2012 from Madras, OR

The most recent Juntos Family Day in 2019, on campus

Juntos Family Engagement Model 

Empowering Oregon families and students through education and partnership. 

Family Engagement

Family Engagement is the foundation of belonging, empowerment, and access. It connects families, students, and schools through bilingual, culturally grounded engagement that strengthens confidence, advocacy, and shared ownership of education. 

Family Engagement Model Components 

• Community Partnership- Builds trust through collaboration between families, schools, and local partners, creating shared ownership of educational success. 

• Aligned Goal: Community Vitality & Engagement 

• Empowerment & Voice- Develops agency and advocacy among parents and youth to lead and influence educational change. 

• Aligned Goals: Community Vitality & Engagement, Career & College Access 

• Action & Access-Families engage in bilingual, hands-on workshops and take concrete steps toward college and career readiness. Additionally completing FAFSA/ORSAA, Oregon Promise, Admissions Applications, and Scholarships. 

• Aligned Goals: Career & College Access, Degree Completion Support 

• Belonging & Continuity- Sustains long-term success through mentorship, alumni networks, and a shared sense of belonging in education spaces. 

• Aligned Goals: Degree Completion Support, Community Vitality & Engagement 

Goals 

• Career & College Access- Increase high school completion and postsecondary enrollment across Oregon. 

• Degree Completion Support-Support students in transfer and degree completion pathways at OSU and other Oregon institutions. 

• Community Vitality & Engagement-Partner with and advocate for historically excluded communities across Oregon. 

Evaluation & Impact 

• Increased family confidence and participation 

• Improved communication and trust between families and schools 

• Greater student motivation and readiness for college and career 

• Sustained belonging and persistence through degree completion 

Juntos Program Services

Statewide:  

 Juntos Family Engagement Workshop Series: Our two workshop series, designed to include the entire family, is for students in grades 6–8 and 9-12. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, we provide information, resources, and support to help participants navigate the education system, increase high school graduation rates, explore college and career pathways, and strengthen family engagement.  

Juntos Academia: Juntos Academy is a fun and inspiring overnight summer camp on OSU’s campus that engages high school students from around the state. Through hands-on activities and workshops, students build confidence, grow as leaders, and discover that college is within their reach. 

Juntos Family Day: These one-day events are designed to bring Juntos students and their families from across the state to experience OSU, learn about student resources, and hear about the various pathways to higher education. The day offers a variety of engaging activities, workshops, tours, and presentations aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging post-secondary participation. 

Region Specific:  

Juntos Afuera: Our Juntos Afuera program is designed to provide students and their families with positive outdoor experiences while fostering a strong sense of community. This program offers more than just a fun experience; it empowers students to become informed environmental stewards and confident leaders within their communities.  

Juntos Clubs: Our clubs are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers students as they navigate their post-secondary journeys. Through a diverse range of cultural, social, and academic events, our Juntos clubs create occasions where students can build community, connections, and prepare effectively for future success 

Caminos: Caminos is a series workshops for college-bound high school seniors, typically offered in the summer after high school graduation. Caminos recognizes and builds on the strengths that students already have, while also addressing key topics and potential barriers to enhance post-secondary retention and persistence.

34 Communities Across 20 Counties  

​​"I was introduced to the Juntos program back in 8th grade… The Juntos Program has had a tremendous impact on my life… Not only was I given a roadmap for my high school career, my parents also received insight into what the journey to college entails and they became super supportive of me and became my number one fans. The Juntos Club at that high school gave me plenty of resources to support me in any way I needed, and surrounded me with similarly-motivated students… I would highly recommend every student to participate in the Juntos Program." Juntos student Participant 

One success story that was a result of this funding came from a family with three siblings who had been consistently involved in Juntos activities in Eastern Oregon throughout the year. The eldest sibling had always expressed that college was not for him. He was focused on working, already holding multiple jobs, and was clear that school was not part of his future plan. Despite this, his mother continued encouraging his involvement, and he attended every Juntos event alongside his siblings. When spots opened up for Juntos Academia, our Juntos Coordinator reached out to offer him the opportunity. At first, he was hesitant, but with some encouragement from his mom, he agreed to attend. During the camp, something shifted. By the end of the week, he began asking about how to start the college process, how to apply for scholarships, and what steps he needed to take. - Juntos Academia Student

​Juntos Impact  

Since its establishment at Oregon State University in 2012, Juntos has supported more than 7,200 middle and high school students and their families across Oregon. Through culturally responsive, family-centered programming, Juntos helps students navigate education pathways from middle school through college, while empowering families as active partners in their students’ futures. 

More than 90 percent of Juntos students graduate from

high school and pursue postsecondary education. 

What Makes Juntos Possible:  

• Family Engagement: Juntos Family Workshops create space for families to learn together about college options, financial aid, and next steps, building confidence and shared understanding. 

“En ningún otro programa en el que he participado como madre voluntaria he visto algo igual. Juntos es un programa único y completo que ofrece un paquete entero de apoyo e información, desde la escuela primaria hasta la universidad,” Parent Participant.

“Juntos has truly opened many doors for me and I am very grateful for this club. My family and I talk more about post secondary education. As a first gen, they have given me many resources that have genuinely helped me," Student Participant.

• Summer camps and Experiential Learning: Through Juntos summer camps and hands-on experiences, students build confidence, relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging in educational spaces. 

• Community Events and Family Days: Hosted and co-hosted Juntos events support student learning about education pathways while engaging families as partners in planning and decision-making.