Creating an educational environment where immigrant and refugee students thrive.
Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Advisory Group is recruiting for new members, application is now open.
Announcement: IRSS Advisory Group Application is Open
The ODE Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Advisory Group is a diverse group of community members, educators, and youth who ensure Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) decision-making process effectively implements the
Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Plan. This effort seeks to address systemic inequities experienced by immigrant and refugee students through focused investments and community partnerships.
Meetings: Currently, meetings are virtual and scheduled for the third Thursday of each month from 1:00–3:00 PM PST. The annual meeting schedule will be set in August 2026 or during the group's annual in-person retreat, with recurring meeting times determined based on member availability. All meetings take place virtually, the annual retreat occurs in-person.
Advisory Group members commit to serving a term of either two or three years.
How to Apply: To apply, complete the
IRSS Advisory Group 2026 Application. If you prefer to apply by phone call, video call, written letter, or to request translation services or accommodations, please contact the IRSSP Student Success Coordinators at ODE.ImmigrantRefugee.Success@ode.oregon.gov
Applications open on March 31, 2026, and must be submitted by Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:00pm (PST). Applications will be reviewed in May/June, and applicants will be notified of their status in August.
If selected, you will receive an invitation letter, and ODE staff will follow up with the next steps.
Overview:
Senate Bill 1532, passed during the 2024 Legislative Session, directs the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to develop and implement a statewide education plan for immigrant and refugee students. This plan supports students in early childhood through post-secondary education programs.
Creating an educational environment where immigrant and refugee students thrive.
To ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of Oregon's immigrant and refugee communities, ODE will convene an advisory group. This group consists of representatives from immigrant and refugee communities and key partners across the state, who are helping shape the plan's creation and implementation.
Through this initiative, ODE will award grants to:
- Early Learning Hubs
- Providers of early learning services
- School districts and Educational Service Districts
- Post-secondary institutions
- Tribal governments
- Community-Based Organizations
- Consortia of eligible entities
These grants will fund the strategies outlined in the plan, focusing on increasing success for immigrant and refugee students at every educational level.
The Immigrant and Refugee Student Success Plan
The well-being of Oregon as a whole is inextricably intertwined with the well-being of its immigrant and refugee communities. As a sanctuary state, we have a responsibility to ensure that our educational systems are prepared to serve the needs of students who are new to our nation and/or have been forced to leave their country for any multitude of reasons, such as war, persecution, or natural disaster. The Immigrant and Refugee Student Success Plan provides systemic opportunities for local education agencies to partner with community-based and culturally specific organizations, and other entities that have expertise in creating and improving equitable services for immigrants and refugees. This plan allows ODE to better serve a unique student population with varying and unique needs – including translation services, wrap-around resources, outreach, trust-building, and partnership with community-serving organizations.
Subscribe to the
Immigrant/Refugee Student Success newsletter to receive announcements!
Explore the Program
Student Success Plan
Advisory Group
Grants
Immigrant and Refugee Resources