When former governor John Kitzhaber unveiled his 40-40-20 plan to improve graduation rates among Oregon high school seniors, Deschutes Public Library Community Librarian April Witteveen saw an opportunity. Beginning in October, DPL will be offering “You U: What’s Next?” a series of programs designed to help people prepare for what’s next. Students considering post-high school education, their parents, and other adults looking to return to a college degree or vocational program are invited to attend the series sessions scheduled the second Tuesday of each month.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015 | 6:30 p.m.
Find Your Fit
Downtown Bend Library

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 | 6:30 p.m.
Test Taking 101
Downtown Bend Library

“The Library is positioned to help those in our community who may be following a traditional high school to college trajectory as well as those non-traditional, adult college students who may be interested in returning to college or those who are college curious,” says Witteveen. “DPL has a great collection of resources that can help prospective students plan and prepare for college and ‘You U’ is a great way to highlight these collections,” she says. Working with community partners, including local colleges, WorkSource and Heart of Oregon Corps, Witteveen hopes to provide supplemental information and resources to what high school students are receiving from their schools. “There is so much coming down the pipeline that it can be very intimidating,” she says. “You U” can provide critical information about aspects of college prep and access to resources not readily available to the non-traditional college students and the college-curious says Witteveen. Hearing from real-life students, taking a look at the admissions process and understanding what tests to take are topics that will be featured during the series. “You U attendees will learn about what the library can offer to any prospective college student, how continuing education can fit into a student’s life and will connect people with the information they need,” she says.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.