PORTLAND, OR – Warner Pacific University, one of Oregon’s most ethnically diverse universities, announced a $148,000 grant from the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) to sustain its vital ¡Adelante! Scholarship Fund for education students. This essential funding arrives at a critical moment, directly addressing a substantial scholarship deficit left by the discontinuation of a previously awarded $3.2 million federal education grant.
The UWCW’s investment serves as bridge funding to ensure that aspiring educators—many of whom are local first-generation college students—can continue their path to becoming K–12 teachers in Oregon.
The Vision to Build Oregon’s Diverse Teacher Pipeline
Warner Pacific University holds the federal designation as Oregon’s first four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and is uniquely committed to advancing educational equity by preparing K–12 educators who represent Oregon’s rich array of cultures and identities. In 2024, the University was the recipient of a highly competitive five-year, $3.2 million Hawkins Program grant for its ¡Adelante! Project. This program was designed to create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to become highly qualified educators.
Dr. Kevin Spooner, Associate Dean of Education and Grant Activity Director at Warner Pacific, described the project’s vital goal:
“Our recent grant proposal was designed to expand access to high-need teaching fields in Oregon, including Special Education and dual-language/bilingual education. With this support, we planned to strengthen teacher pathways by offering a flexible and affordable bachelor’s degree with licensure, developing an ESOL endorsement, supporting candidates pursuing the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy, and deepening our partnerships with community colleges and Portland Public Schools. These efforts were aimed at reducing barriers for future educators and supporting a diverse, well-prepared workforce.”
However, due to recent federal funding changes, Warner Pacific, alongside other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the region, experienced the discontinuation of this multi-million-dollar federal grant, creating an immediate financial gap that threatened the enrollment of 25 education students.
Illustrating the gravity of the situation, Dr. Spooner continued:
“The loss of this funding has slowed progress. Most of the grant was dedicated to tuition assistance, and without it, many students cannot pursue these pathways. Several have shared that they are unable to continue without financial support.”
The ¡Adelante! Scholarship Fund faced an immediate $148,000 deficit of promised scholarship funding, placing students at risk of withdrawing from the University just before the spring semester.
A Partnership to Secure the Vision
Recognizing Warner Pacific’s community impact and commitment to equity, the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette provided the full $148,000 required to secure the enrollment of all 25 students. This investment builds on a growing partnership between UWCW and Warner Pacific to expand access to education and support diverse students across the region.
Earlier this year, UWCW launched two scholarship programs with Warner Pacific to support student-athletes who demonstrate leadership and character, with the program growing to $110,000 annually. Together, these efforts act as a critical bridge, allowing the University to continue strengthening Oregon’s educator workforce and supporting students through degree completion.
“While the priorities of the federal government may have shifted, our mission as a Christ-centered, urban university, and our dedication to the diverse, high-need students we serve, has not,” said Douglas S. Wade, Interim President of Warner Pacific University. “We remain committed to equipping our students to pursue their God-given callings with purpose.
The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s action is a profound testament to their commitment to equity. When federal funding was discontinued, they ensured that our next generation of teachers can finish their degrees and enter the K–12 classrooms where they are desperately needed. They are true partners.”
“Our mission is to advance youth opportunity and financial security for all our neighbors,” said Kelly O’Lague, President and CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. “Investing in the ¡Adelante! Scholarship Fund is a direct investment in the future educators of our region, leaders whose impact will be felt in classrooms and schools for generations to come. When we ensure these students can complete their degrees, we are also investing in a more stable, representative educator workforce and a stronger regional economy. We are proud to provide this critical bridge funding to sustain the dreams of 25 students who will transform our local schools and communities.”
The grant, which was officially received by the University on December 15, is already being disbursed to students for the spring semester, securing their enrollment and continued progress toward becoming highly needed teachers for Oregon communities.
About Warner Pacific University
Warner Pacific University is a Christ-centered, urban, liberal arts university in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1937, the University is dedicated to preparing students from diverse backgrounds to engage actively in a constantly changing world. As a federally designated Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), Warner Pacific University is committed to educational equity, with nearly half of its students being first-generation college students.
About United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette helps neighbors strengthen their resilience by advancing health, youth opportunities, and financial security. For 105 years, UWCW has been focused on building a stronger, more equitable future for everyone in our region.