Program areas at Josephine County Foundation
Perform community service projects to make Josephine County a healthier, better educated and more vibrant community. These projects are initiated by and performed by students at all four public high schools and one private high school in Josephine County, plus one public high school in jackson County. These projects include free vision clinics, anti-bullying programs, student enrichment grants to classrooms, breast cancer awareness, support to local fire and search & rescue departments, drunk driving education, campus closets, teaching elementary students about money management, day of service to help beautify their communities, summer food program, summer educational academy, and program gap (graduation assistance program).
Josephine County has been named oregons least educated County by the state of Oregon based on the percent of the population with a college degree. Jcf operates a competitive scholarship program designed to provide financial aid to students pursuing a four-year or two-year college degree or attending a technical trade school. The goal of the scholarship program is for recipients to get a college degree (especially first in family to get a college degree) and return to Josephine County for their careers. The program also assists students at rogue river high school in jackson County.
Teach high school students about non-profits, provide leadership in running a business by serving as officers and on the board of directors; project management experience performing their community service projects, grant writing and fundraising to fund their projects; and life skills such as public speaking, working with community and political leaders; and getting exposure to business leaders and possible career opportunities.