“Your voice matters a lot,” says Eric, a senior at Nestucca High School. That’s what he has learned growing up in a rural town that supports students. 

When he and his friend asked for a high school soccer team, educators and community members made it happen. 

He’s also benefited from strong career and technical education classes where he’s learning engineering concepts, gaining technical skills in programs like computer-aided design (AutoCAD), and taking part in a regional bridge-building competition. Additionally, he has access to internships and job opportunities created just for students. 

“I believe all students should have this type of support,” he says. That’s why he decided to present at this spring’s Cascade Alliance for Equity summit. 

Eric, center, and Pedro, seniors at Nestucca Valley High School, present about the importance of having community support. “This is what makes us succeed,” Eric says. 

He was among 56 student presenters who shared their experiences in today’s educational system. Students from seven school districts, including Beaverton, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Seaside, St. Helens and Tigard-Tualatin, participated this spring -- up from just 12 when our agency first launched this student-led conference in 2024. A record number of 235 people participated. 

Denise Reynolds, an instructional coach who works for the St. Helens School District, says the conference was exactly what she needed. She wasn’t sure what to expect at the start of the day but was encouraged by the insights the students shared. 

After 35 years in education, she is feeling a bit discouraged with the state of education today, but she says the conference left her inspired and hopeful. 

“I hope all educators have a chance to come to see this,” she says. 

See photos from the day.