ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25 WILLAMETTE A C A D E M Y
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
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he end of a school year presents an opportunity to reflect, plan, and celebrate the trajectories of our students. I am a believer that each year generates a theme or lesson of its own. This year’s lesson was the understanding that we do not always get to immediately witness the impact of our work. While we get to see our students graduate each year, it isn’t until down the line that we get a sense of the true transformative power of education and the ripple effects it creates. This year, we celebrated First-Generation Day, a time to recognize the unique experiences of first-generation students. It was truly special to reconnect with alumni and learn about their achievements since graduating the Academy. A common theme to their reflections was being able to break ground for their family, creating new beginnings, and honoring the sacrifices loved ones made for them to reach new heights.
“When our students thrive, our community moves forward too.” — Delia Olmos-García ’14, WA’10 Executive Director
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As of May 2025, 420 students have walked across the stage at Academy graduation. From my time as an academy student to now, I have lost count of the number of graduates I’ve witnessed and I can say that it never gets old. Our alumni are living a wide spectrum of life. Some are still in college, others are graduates pursuing further education, and some already have families of their own. In these various stages, one common theme remains: the positive differences they are making in their communities. I think of Victor Garcia ’17 who is Park Planner for the City of Portland and is quite literally changing the landscapes of our community. I also think of Sonya Moody-Jurado, the proud parent to Gabriel Jurado ’22 who speaks about the impact higher education is having not only on her son but the entire family. Stories like theirs remind me that the work of the Academy is one that keeps on giving.
While our immediate goal is to help students graduate and enroll in college, the outcomes multiply when we consider their families, friends, and the broader community. With this in mind, I want to thank everyone for their continued support and investment in the Academy. Because of you, this school year was another success. Our academic programming included mentor meetings, tutoring, workshops and monthly Saturday Sessions. This summer, students delved into the topics of history, microbiology, math, chemistry, and computer science. Staying true to academy tradition, a lot of volleyball and clapping was involved along with shared laughter over meals. We also welcomed 32 new students into the program. Their energy, curiosity, and desire to achieve their goals brings new life into our community and reminds us why we do this work. At the same time, we celebrated the class of 2025 who completed their journeys with us but begin to truly live out our mission as they begin college in the fall. Your support throughout the years continues to generate positive change that extends beyond one student. When our students thrive, our community moves forward too. Thank you for making that possible. With gratitude, Delia Olmos-García ’14, WA’10 Executive Director
Academy graduate changes landscapes
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ictor Garcia is a Park Planner for the City of Portland, where he works collaboratively to make public spaces welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the communities they serve. His approach is shaped by lessons he learned growing up in a family that valued hard work, community, and connection.
Victor comes from a family of entrepreneurs. As a kid, he was immersed in the family landscape maintenance business, knocking on doors to hand out business cards, guiding his dad to new client homes, and helping wherever he could. Outside of work, Sundays were for gathering at the park, a welcoming and accessible place where the family could enjoy meals, relax, and simply be together. These experiences, blending work, family, and community, taught him the value of connection and collaboration, shaping his passion for creating spaces where people can gather. His path to higher education and landscape architecture was shaped by Willamette Academy, which opened doors to new opportunities and provided mentors, guidance, and confidence. He went on to study Environmental Science at Willamette University and earned a Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the University of Oregon. Reflecting on his time at the Academy 8 years ago, Victor says, “It taught me self-discipline, communication, accountability, and how to build relationships.” Summer camp was a highlight. It was a break from family work and a chance to meet students from other schools. Being on a real college campus showed him he could belong in spaces like these and pursue his goals, while being around peers with similar backgrounds brought comfort and inspiration.
Garcia (left) leading a workshop at Willamette Academy Today, Victor gives back to the Academy by sharing his story, hosting sessions on landscape architecture, and inviting students to provide feedback on public spaces. His journey illustrates the ripple effect of programs like the Academy: when one student gains opportunities, the whole community benefits. Victor’s journey affirms the academy mission and serves as a reminder that every student creates the landscapes of their own future.
“(The academy) taught me self-discipline, communication, accountability, and how to build relationships.” — Victor Garcia ’13 Park Planner, City of Portland
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OUR STORY IN NUMBERS
420 87%
96%
Students have graduated from the academy
Class of 2025 students, that applied to at least seven colleges and an average of 11 scholarships
3.6
Average GPA of academy students
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86%
143
Academy students living below the median income of Marion County
21
Academy alumni selected as Ford Scholars by the Ford Family Foundation since 2008
72%
Families that speak a language other than English at home
Academy students who will be first-generation college students
Salem-Keizer School District students (grades 8-12) currently enrolled at the academy
$2,220
Approximate annual cost per student to conduct academy programming
8
Academy alumni selected as Gates Millennium Scholars since 2007
HIGHLIGHTS 2024-25 In October, Executive Director Delia Olmos-García was honored with the Mayor’s Youth Achievement Award at Salem’s Volunteer Award Ceremony. This recognition highlights her dedication to supporting local youth and families.
Nine Saturday sessions engaged students in leadership development, community-building exercises, goal setting, college and career exploration, high school and college transition, and SAT prep while providing general academic support. All students had the opportunity to visit Pacific University, Portland, State University, and Western Oregon University. College Track sessions provided academy seniors with workshops on financial aid, college and scholarship applications, matriculation, and how to transition into college. 100% of seniors completed their FAFSA, receiving individualized support. In collaboration with Professor Battle, the Academy launched a chemistry club where students are able to experience college-level chemistry topics through hands-on experiments in a lab.
Increased parent support through “Guiding Minds” sessions aimed to better understand teen development, psychology, and best practices. Information sessions included scenario based role-play, discussions, and collaboration among parents. Jazmin Morales Rodriguez ’21 and senior at Pomona College visited the Academy and led a session on Chicano studies and the importance of identity and the contributions of Latinos in US history. Cecilia Gonzalez Cantor ‘23 has an associate degree in applied science in law enforcement and correction. Currently she is working at the county jail in pursuit of becoming a corrections deputy. Cecilia led a session with students about her journey to her career path.
In March, juniors took a trip to Tacoma to visit the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University. In the Spring, the academy reviewed 111 applications, conducted 74 student interviews and welcomed 32 rising eighth-graders to the program. On May 16, the academy celebrated 23 graduates. This fall, five graduates will attend Willamette University, while the rest will head to Bushnell University, Chemeketa Community College, George Fox University, Linfield University, Oregon State University, the University of Iowa, and Western Oregon University. Jocelynn Vazquez ’25 earned the Ford Family Scholarship, which takes care of 90% of her remaining financial need at any Oregon School.
Over the course of the academic year, a total of 71 workshops were hosted. These workshops covered a wide range of engaging topics, including college visits, campus events, and recreational activities. Students also participated in themed events such as holiday celebrations, family game nights, and creative sessions. Willamette Academy Annual Report 2024-25
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As a parent, what does the Academy mean to you? I am so appreciative of the Academy for helping Gabriel build a solid foundation in which to build success in college. Gabriel had academic skills prior to attending the Academy, but they helped him grow into a leader through the workshops, mentorship, Academy staff, and fellow students, with who he has developed life-long relationships. He learned how to use his voice to advocate for himself, and others, which has led to the variety of student leadership programs he has achieved while in college. What do you wish people knew about the Academy? I wish people understood how important it is for students to have the Academy to equip them to be prepared for post-secondary success. Students gain knowledge and tools on the importance of academic achievement. They learn important life skills during their time in the Academy through workshops that cover topics such as financial aid, time management, self-advocacy, accountability, and how to think critically-most importantly they learn how to be part of a community which leads to lifelong success.
First-generation students; a family journey
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abriel Jurado ’22 is now a senior at Oregon State University and studies Oceanography. His mother Sonya Moody-Jurado was an active parent in the Academy’s family program (PUENTES) and now speaks to the experiences of being a parent to a first generation college student.
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What impact did the Academy have on your family and your student? As a family we got to watch Gabriel soar, and he has not landed yet. The Academy gave him a place to belong, got him out of his comfort zone, and helped him develop strong relationships. The workshops were important to our family. There are not a lot of programs that allow parents to participate in workshops and hear the same important information their student will need to be college-ready. How does it feel to witness his journey through higher-ed? Gabriel has had an exceptional educational journey and the Academy contributed to giving him the confidence to pursue his dreams, communicate his needs, and put himself forward for opportunities in his chosen degree field.
“(The academy) helped him grow into a leader through the workshops, mentorship, Academy staff, and fellow students, with who he has developed life-long relationships.” — Sonya Moody-Jurado Mother of Gabriel Jurado ’22 Jurado (left) with parents, (right) High School graduation photo in 2022, and (below) on a summer 2023 trip to Alaska offered through Oregon State University, learning about glacial hydrology.
Willamette Academy Annual Report 2024-25
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CLASS OF 2025 Our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students who have the desire to advance to and achieve higher education.. To learn how you can support our mission, visit willamette.edu/community/academy.
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