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What does 'Oregon goes to college' mean to you?

A collage of artwork and the Oregon Goes To College logo

Welcome to our gallery

Here, we show what the phrase "Oregon goes to college" means to our state. This project is about sharing our stories and showcasing the unique perspectives and talents of our participants. Each piece in this gallery tells a story, reflecting the personal and collective significance of continuing education after high school.

Explore these works and be inspired by the creativity and passion of our contributors. Click on each photo to see it enlarged and/or additional photos.

Contribute your artwork

Want to share what Oregon goes to college means to you? Fill out this form and we will review your work for our gallery.

What does "Oregon goes to college" mean to you?

Share your impact and your interpretation of what Oregon goes to college means to you. We will post and share submissions on our webpage.

Thank you for your participation!

Each participant will receive an exclusive Oregon Goes To College sticker!

Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to contribute. Download marketing materials now!

Featured artworks

Elenore H.

Elenore H.

Mapleton

 

Collæge

2025, Paper, marker, glue

The meaning of a college going culture.

Nox Allen

Nox Allen

Mapleton

 

Shoe Tree

2025, Markers and paper

Shoe Tree on the U of O campus where athletes toss their well-used shoes as a sign of moving on and their acomplishments.

Anon

Anon

St. Helens

 

Untitled

2025, Paper, pen, glue

 

Esther Troyer, Jaime Simpson

Esther Troyer, Jaime Simpson

Neah-Kah-Nie HS

 

Dream Chaser

2025, Craft paper, marker, pipe cleaner, feathers, glue

Based on Native American "Dream Catcher," using the 16 Federal career clusters and our desire to have our students pursue their dreams... wherever they may go.

Nicole Edwards

Nicole Edwards

St. Helens

 

Planding the Seeds

2025, Mixed media

Motivational poster.

Natalie Williams

Natalie Williams

Prospect Charter School

 

Dream of Opportunity

2025, Cardstock, paper, decor

 

Ana Vargas

Ana Vargas

St. Helens HS

 

Your Place

2025, Markers, paper, and inspo from students!

Everyone has different lived experiences and paths. This puzzle shows finding a place - done while thinking about students who are first generation and figuring out things by themselves.

Stephanie Carnahan, Adrienne Enriquez

Stephanie Carnahan, Adrienne Enriquez

Oregon GEAR UP

 

When AI Isn't a Substitute for Education

2025, Google imagen3, Canva

These attempts to use AI provide ample evidence that human thought, skill and effort are still required to ensure the resulting product works. Education provides the skills and knowledge needed to use AI effectively.

Grace Whitley

Grace Whitley

Oregon State University

 

On Her Shoulders

2025, Paper, markers

Carrying the pride of her town and the hopes of her family, she walks forward—each book in her backpack a step toward a future built on dreams, strength, and determination. Her education isn't just for her; it's a legacy in motion. This artistic expression reveals a young girl's educational journey through the evolution of her backpack.

Jennica Vincent

Jennica Vincent

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Lighting your way

2025, Photoshop, Google Images

OGTC as the filament in a lightbulb made of books and tipped like a pencil - With education, illumination, planning, and guidance, students can write any future for themselves.

Adrienne Enriquez

Adrienne Enriquez

Oregon GEAR UP

 

When Oregon goes to college

2025, Acrylic yarn

Societal benefits like businesses being more likely to thrive, homeownership increasing, health outcomes improving, and civic engagement rising are depcited on a background of line and bar graphs showing an increase in postsecondary attainment.

Anne Stephens

Anne Stephens

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Future Goggles

2025, Ski goggles, paper, tape

Future options look more attractive and accessible with information, resouces and guidance.

AI

AI

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Ode to Oregon goes to college

2025, Digital

An experiment in what Oregon goes to college means, authored by AI, in haiku form.

Ashley Rodriguez

Ashley Rodriguez

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Grow Here

2025, Digital print on paper

"Grow Here" expresses Oregon's wild spirit and the transformative journey of knowledge. From rural roots to wisdom's citadels, it celebrates the spark of curiosity and the expansive horizons of learning. This piece is a poetic ode to education's power to illuminate and heal.

Autumn VanderLinden

Autumn VanderLinden

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Glimpse of Possibility

2025, Acrylic on canvas

Here's to the bright possibilities that lie ahead.

Danielle Taylor

Danielle Taylor

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Adding Chapters | Education Enriching Lives and Society

2025, Digital print on paper, card stock, brass fasteners

Each person's life is like a book, with each chapter representing different experiences and milestones. The power of education can add meaningful and fulfilling chapters to an individual's life. Education not only impacts personal growth but also benefits society as a whole.

Sara Lopez

Sara Lopez

Oregon GEAR UP

 

You Can Do Good Things

2025, Scrapbook paper on canvas board

Symbolizing the journey of growth, education, and community, the piece depicts a family guiding their toddler toward the silhouette of a graduate, representing the hope and dedication to a bright future. The tree signifies strong roots in Oregon, while the distant college and rural landscape reflect the path of knowledge leading to personal and communal impact.

Kelly Whitty

Kelly Whitty

Oregon GEAR UP

 

College: Countless Ways to Get To, Through, and Beyond

2025, Mixed media

College access has no "Just add water" solution. Countless resources, supports, and tools are available to shepherd students along their paths. Similarly for each student's journey through college: If one approach isn't successful, another one may be. ... Then when students decide career paths based on college experiences, options abound once more!

Maddy Anderson

Maddy Anderson

Oregon GEAR UP

 

Dear Boy Girl Baby

2025, Dramatic reading, children's book

Artist performed an excerpted reading from Dear Boy ( authored by Paris Rosenthal and Jason Rosenthal; illustrated by holly Hatam), Dear Girl (authored by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal; Illustrated by Holly Hatam) and Dear Baby (authored by Paris Rosenthal; Illustrated by Holly Hatam). Together these 3 texts embody empowerment and opportunity, showcasing a future with endless possibilities- all one has to do is dream and believe.