Pendleton 5th graders go to college

By Terry Murry on Monday, March 16th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Fifth graders in the Pendleton School District got a taste of higher education this month. They were guests of Blue Mountain Community College.

One of the main goals for student success is having students graduate from high school in four years. Superintendent Michelle Jensen said this is a great way to get younger students used to what should come next.

“Research shows that any early college awareness helps build students’ aspirations,” Jensen said. “It broadens their world view, strengthens their academic engagement, and helps them envision their pathway after graduation.”

Jensen added that early exposure to college also helps make younger students aware that a high school diploma is something for which they should strive.

Photo of a group of fifth-grade students at BMCC via the Pendleton School District