Ridgeview High student Jordan Jensen overcomes challenges, receives ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Stand for Children Oregon is excited to recognize Jordan Jensen from Ridgeview High School as a recipient of the Beat the Odds Scholarship. This scholarship awards $5,000 annually for four years to support exceptional students who have overcome significant challenges while demonstrating unwavering dedication to their education.
Jordan is one of just eight students in Oregon to receive the 2025 scholarship, reflecting his remarkable resilience and commitment to achieving his goals despite a difficult upbringing.
Jordan’s journey has been marked by profound challenges. Through it all, he has emerged as a fighter, using his past as motivation to strive for a brighter future. His determination has fueled his academic success and his leadership on the field as a varsity football player and wrestler.
“I’ve faced many challenges, but I refuse to let them define me,” Jordan shared. “Instead, I use my experiences to motivate myself to do better and to help others who might be going through similar situations.”
With plans to attend Clackamas Community College and pursue a degree in business and law, Jordan aims to become a corporate lawyer. He understands the importance of education and the power of positive role models, having experienced first-hand the impact of a supportive community. He hopes to give back by sharing his story and helping others who may feel alone in their struggles.
ABOUT STAND FOR CHILDREN OREGON: Stand for Children is a unique catalyst for education equity and racial justice, to create a brighter future for us all. We’re building a future where every child in Oregon has the opportunity to succeed. Our relentless advocacy and research-based initiatives have significantly advanced educational equity and racial justice across the state.
In 2016 our team, alongside our community of 20,000+ advocates, passed Measure 98: High School Success which provides $150 million/year to research-aligned practices for high schoolers. In 2023, we passed the Early Literacy Success Initiative which provides $90 million/year to support research-aligned practices for our youngest readers. That means that our team of six has championed over $210 million/annually to targeted investments that are making a significant difference for children. You can read more about the impact these policy investments are having here.
ABOUT THE RENAISSANCE FOUNDATION: The mission of the Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) is to provide renewable scholarships and offer support to talented students with significant financial need who will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree. The scholarship provides a maximum of $5,000 a year towards tuition and fees, housing, or books and supplies.
RSP provides additional support to recipients through scholar events, a growing online resource library, and other ongoing programs.
ABOUT THE BEAT THE ODDS SCHOLARSHIP: The Beat the Odds Scholarship was established in 2007 by a partnership between Stand for Children Oregon and The Renaissance Foundation to support students in Oregon who have succeeded despite hardships. The scholarship is underwritten by The Renaissance Foundation. To be eligible for this $ 5,000-a-year scholarship, applicants must reside in Oregon, be first-generation college students, and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
