Lane African American/Black Student Success
In 2018 the, the Lane Educational Service District received a grant to support the success of African American students. You can visit the ESD website to learn about the goals and strategies of this program at the following link: https://www.lesd.k12.or.us/lane-aabss/index.html
Fern Ridge has partnered with the ESD, and this program, by establishing and supporting black student unions at both FRMS and EHS. We are fortunate to have Mr. Niles Mittasch assigned as our “navigator” to support our students. Niles was born and raised in Eugene attending K-12 in local schools. Niles. received his undergraduate degree in sociology at the University of Oregon. After college he made is way to Europe where he played professional American football for 5 years in Italy and Poland. After his football career ended he always knew he would make his way back to this area to help empower the youth and the community the same way they did for him on his journey as an adolescent seeking directions. Niles believes in the power of mentoring and is excited to play his part as the new African American student success navigator. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please feel free to contact him at: nmittasch@fernridge.k12.or.us