EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College's Concepción “Connie” Mesquita Multicultural Center (MCC) is proud to announce the transition of its successful Rites of Passage (ROP) summer programs into a more comprehensive, year-long experience. The ROP Programs, founded in 1998 by LCC Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Greg Evans, provides cultural affirming learning environments to assist middle and high school students, who identify as Black/African American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander, or Latinx, to successfully navigate schooling environments. Lane offers four ROP Programs, each coordinated by faculty coordinators in the MCC, each working within a multicultural affinity community.
Previously held during the summer, the ROP Programs will now partner with LCC’s Regional Technical and Early College (RTEC) Program. The partnership will allow for classes to be offered during each term of the academic year, with each ROP class focusing on one of the multicultural affinity groups; students will earn two college credits. The change will also allow students to receive individualized support and gain a deeper understanding of the specific challenges faced by their respective communities.
RTEC will also provide an overview of degrees, academic advising, financial aid, and time management. Students will be exposed to various ways in which to communicate that values their cultural and linguistic diversities, as well as methods to balance academic and personal responsibilities. Within the RTEC Program, students will experience a successful transition to a college environment, as well as a rewarding experience with academic programs, support services, and leadership opportunities at Lane.
“The MCC has a long history of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds,” said Carl Yeh, Dean of Student Engagement. “The transition of the ROP program to RTEC is a testament to the college's commitment to meeting the needs of its diverse student body.”
RTEC 101: Puertas Abiertas Éxito, focusing on Latinx students, is the first class offered during Spring 2023. Three classes are currently planned for Fall 2023: RTEC 101: Asian and Pacific Islander, RTEC 101: Black/African American Rites of Passage, and RTEC 101: Native American.
The Multicultural Center invites all interested high school students to learn more about the RTEC program and how it can help them succeed in college. For more information, visit the RTEC and MCC websites or contact the Multicultural Center directly at mcc@lanecc.edu.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.