| Press Release |
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| November 15, 2005 |
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Governor Launches New Loan Program to Help Keep Quality Teachers and Nurses in Oregon
(Portland, OR) — Building on Governor Ted Kulongoski’s commitment to expand access to higher education for all Oregonians and to keep Oregon’s brightest here at home, Governor Kulongoski today announced a new program called Teach for Oregon and Care for Oregon to help Oregonians entering the education and nursing professions repay their student loans once they enter the workforce in Oregon.
“If we want to maintain our quality of life and ensure Oregonians are the best trained, qualified and skilled workforce in the nation, then we must make a commitment to support the people who educate our children and care for us when we’re sick,” Governor Ted Kulongoski said. “An investment in our educators and our nurses is an investment in Oregon’s future and with this program we not only strengthen our ability to keep Oregon's finest teachers and nurses right here at home – but we also strengthen our ability to attract the best and brightest students from across the country.”
In partnership with the student loan company Sallie Mae, Teach for Oregon and Care for Oregon loan assistance programs will repay up to 10 percent of federal Stafford loan balances for teachers and nurses who earn their degree at an Oregon institution and remain in the state to start and pursue their careers. As a result of this state partnership, nursing or teaching students at any Oregon college or university who commit to work as teachers or nurses in the state are eligible for the program after making 36 months of regular on-time payments and teaching or nursing full time in Oregon for three years.
According to a 2005 report by the Oregon Center for Nursing, the demand for full time registered nurses will increase by more than 15,000 over the next 15 years. The report also highlights that nearly one half of Oregon’s registered nurses (RN) are above the age of 50, and by 2025, 41 percent of currently licensed RNs are expected to retire. The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission of Oregon projects teacher shortages in special education as well as mathematics, foreign languages, technology and science.
“Recent events have again highlighted how important our nurses and teachers are to each of us,” said Dennis Wentworth, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “They are our everyday heroes, caring for our families and educating our young people. We must continue to encourage more college students to pursue teaching and nursing careers. Our Teach for Oregon and Care for Oregon programs will do just that.”
For more information about the Teach for Oregon and Care for Oregon student loan programs, call 1-800-826-7562 or visit www.salliemae.com/state/oregon.
Media Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6496
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