About
MEChA Statewide is a student-led nonprofit organization representing more than 70 middle school, high school, and college chapters across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to empower students through leadership development, educational excellence, cultural pride, civic engagement, and community building.
We strive to create opportunities that inspire students to become confident leaders, advocates, and changemakers within their schools and communities.
Our Mission
MEChA Statewide is committed to:
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Promoting educational excellence and academic achievement.
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Developing leadership skills among Latine students and all MEChA members.
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Encouraging community service, civic engagement, and social responsibility.
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Fostering a strong sense of belonging through cultural awareness, identity, and empowerment.
HISTORY.
1994 – A Vision for Student Success
MEChA Statewide was established in response to increasing dropout rates and the limited support available to help Latine high school students succeed. It became the first formal MEChA organization created outside of a college campus, marking a significant milestone in expanding opportunities for younger student leaders.
1995 – Building a Statewide Network
With the support of educators, community leaders, college students, and professionals, MEChA Statewide continued to grow. The organization was founded through the collaboration of four college chapters:
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Portland State University
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University of Oregon
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Oregon State University
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Portland Community College – Rock Creek
Together, these institutions helped establish a statewide network dedicated to supporting student leadership and educational success.
Growth and Impact
As interest and participation grew, MEChA Statewide expanded to support middle school, high school, and college chapters throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Today, the organization provides year-round leadership development through programs and initiatives including:
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The Annual Statewide Conference
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The MEChA Leadership Institute
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Quarterly officer and advisor meetings
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Leadership workshops
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Chapter development and support
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Scholarship opportunities
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Community engagement initiatives
2016 – A New Name
To better reflect the organization's statewide reach and identity, the board officially adopted the name OR MEChA Statewide.
Today
Today, MEChA Statewide continues to serve as a trusted resource for students, advisors, educators, and communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
With more than 70 active chapters, we remain dedicated to empowering students through leadership, advocacy, educational opportunity, cultural pride, and meaningful community engagement. By supporting the growth of our chapters and investing in future leaders, we continue to build on the vision that began more than 30 years ago.
Meet the Board
Angela Aguilar
President
Veronica Aguilar
Co - Chair
Victor Albarran
Treasurer
Join Our Board
Become a Sponsor.
Partner with MEChA Statewide and invest in the next generation of student leaders.
MEChA Statewide is proud to partner with organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and community leaders who share our commitment to expanding educational opportunities, developing student leadership, promoting community engagement, and celebrating cultural pride.
Your sponsorship helps make our programs and events possible, including the MEChA Leadership Institute, the Annual Statewide Conference, leadership development workshops, scholarships, and chapter support throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
As a sponsor, you will not only help create meaningful opportunities for students, but also demonstrate your organization's commitment to education, equity, and community impact. Together, we can empower students to become leaders who create positive change in their schools and communities.
Whether you're interested in sponsoring an event, supporting a scholarship, donating resources, or forming a long-term partnership, we'd love to work with you.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at ormechastatewide@gmail.com.