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Oregon City presents Bridges to Independence transition program; board hears expansion updates
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Summary
District staff highlighted the Bridges to Independence adult transition program—life skills, vocational partnerships, travel training and student-run enterprises—and board members discussed unified sports and program alignment with athletics.
District staff presented Bridges to Independence, the adult transition program serving students who have graduated with modified diplomas. The program focuses on independent‑living skills, work experience and community access, staff said.
The teacher and associate director described weekly activities including cooking, banking and a school store that uses a classroom currency system. They highlighted vocational partnerships with local employers and agencies, including the food bank Gleaners and a new collaboration with Phillips Foster Farms. Students participate in community outings, work twice weekly and run programs such as a student-hosted coffee cart at Barclay on Tuesdays.
Staff noted supportive programming in healthy relationships, sewing, a televised show produced at Willamette Falls TV and travel training on TriMet. Board members asked about opportunities to expand unified athletics; staff said unified teams are being moved under the athletics department to provide consistent sports support and increase sustainability.
Board members praised the program’s emphasis on relationships and postsecondary planning. One board member noted the program’s success in building community connections quickly; staff said continued fundraising and district support will be important for program continuity.
