Dear ARCS Foundation Oregon  Members,  

We hope this message finds you well. As we move forward in 2025, we want to share some important updates about our strategic planning implementation process and our continued commitment to supporting the next generation of STEM innovators. Last year, our board and members of the Strategic Plan Task Force engaged in a comprehensive strategic review of our organization and its impact in order to create a sustainable future for ARCS Oregon. As you may recall, this work culminated in three overarching goals: 

• Create a leadership structure that meets the organization’s needs; 
• Develop a path for ARCS Foundation Oregon to achieve financial health and sustainable growth; and 
• Cultivate a diverse, engaged, and vibrant community of members, scholars, and alums. 

Now, we are charged with making these goals come alive. This work is being shepherded by the Strategic Plan Implementation Group. This group, chaired by Rachel, is working with our ARCS Board, Operations Group, Interim Executive Director, and Committees to take a deep dive into how we do the work of ARCS and how we can do it better. Currently, we are engaging in a focused analysis of policies and procedures across the organization. We’re analyzing our fiscal practices, including our scholarship programs. We are developing a comprehensive organizational calendar to understand how we are spending our time – and what impact this has on our volunteers, members, and students. This early implementation work is foundational, but necessary: it will help us identify key opportunities to expand our impact in the coming years. Once this work is complete, we will be able to develop recommendations to make that happen. 

Our data show that while traditional funding for STEM graduate education remains stable for the present, the real costs of pursuing advanced degrees continue to rise. Living expenses, child care, research materials, and conference attendance pose significant burdens for many promising students. To help talented students complete their advanced degrees and contribute to critical scientific breakthroughs, we must think strategically about how we support them and continue to build a strong organization that will be there for them in the future. 

We want to personally thank you for your continued support of ARCS Oregon. Your commitment to advancing STEM education makes a real difference in students' lives and helps build a stronger scientific community for us all. 

With gratitude, 

Rachel & Diana