Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) and The Klamath Tribes have signed an agreement to collaborate in areas such as education, research, and administrative services. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in late March by representatives from both organizations. Oregon Tech’s then interim president, Dr. Jay Kenton, and current president, Dr. Nagi Naganathan, signed for the university, and on The Klamath Tribe’s behalf by Don Gentry, Chairman for the Klamath Tribal Council, and George Lopez, Administration General Manager for The Klamath Tribes.
The MOU between the university and Klamath Tribes helps meet the common purpose of helping people to better themselves through education, research, economic development and other forms of personal enlightenment. It also serves to provide a collaborative environment to work to make the respective communities prosperous with multiple opportunities for surrounding citizens. The agreement focuses on the following areas:
Education
Both parties agree to work with Native American students to ensure they have the requisite academic, financial, cultural and personal support needed to be successful in their academic endeavors. Oregon Tech will assist Klamath Tribal and other Native American students with accelerated college credit opportunities; summer youth programs; application and admissions assistance; and tutoring and internship opportunities.
Educational Access
Oregon Tech will work with Native American students to help them apply for financial support; match Klamath Tribe scholarships to Tribal members attending Oregon Tech; and coordinate with Klamath Tribal representatives on annual Native American student recruitment days.
Educational Campaign
Working together to develop campaigns that explain Klamath history and the Klamath Tribes’ ongoing cultural and economic contributions to the state; and supporting and promoting events on campus that raise awareness of Native American culture.
Research
Performing research projects to better understand topics of mutual interest and develop programs to address areas of need.
To uphold the agreement, parties from both groups will meet annually to review activities, performance or satisfaction with current areas of focus and evaluate additional opportunities for collaboration.
