Teresa Alonso Leon presents Oregon's new advocacy group for postsecondary education reform

The Oregon House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss the formation and objectives of the Oregon Community Table on Postsecondary Education and Training (OCPD). Teresa Alonso Leon, a former state representative and current consultant, led the informational hearing, emphasizing the need for a statewide advocacy group dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by underserved and underrepresented students in higher education.

Alonso Leon highlighted the significant barriers these students encounter, including issues related to access, retention, and graduation rates, as well as difficulties in securing well-paying jobs after completing their education. She noted that the state has lagged in adequately funding its postsecondary education system, which has contributed to these ongoing challenges.

The discussion also referenced the Joint Task Force on Student Success for Underrepresented Students in Higher Education (JTUSHY), which was established in 2022 to investigate and address these issues. The task force conducted site visits to various community colleges and universities, engaging with students, faculty, and staff to gather insights on the systemic challenges within the education system.

Alonso Leon pointed out that, despite the presence of advocacy groups for K-12 education, there was a notable absence of organizations focused on higher education advocacy. In response, the Kapasas Leadership Institute hired her consulting firm to create OCPD, which aims to unify voices from various stakeholders, including students, parents, and community leaders, to advocate for necessary reforms in postsecondary education.

Currently, OCPD boasts over 100 members and has initiated programs such as a paid internship initiative to further support its mission. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance educational outcomes for all students in Oregon, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these critical issues in future sessions.