On February 12, UO Director of Community Relations Greg Rikhoff joined Bethel School District Superintendent Colt Gill and Springfield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Matt Coleman in presenting a concept for a regional achievement compact to the Oregon Education Investment Board Subcommittee on Best Practice and Innovation. The concept was prepared by the Educational Partnership—a collaboration of the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, Eugene 4J School District, Bethel School District, and Springfield Public Schools, Lane Education Service District, and early childhood education leaders.

The mission of the Educational Partnership is to increase cooperation and aid students in their education transitions from early childhood to college and careers. In January 2013, the Oregon Education Investment Board called for new regional achievement compacts that aim to bring together institutions in a region to share ideas, pool resources and ensure all institutions, regardless of the age of their students, recognize and contribute to the development of a P-20 continuum with strong learning foundations that will prepare students for a successful post-secondary experience.