Lots of kids don’t have parents, or their parents aren’t engaged in their lives. Every student needs an adult to be a part of their life.
What does Connected by 25 Do?
A growing number of Portland teens and young adults are not ready to succeed at work or school, or to contribute to our community.
The reasons are varied. Economic barriers. Racial barriers. Language barriers.
Connected by 25 focuses on producing real results for these young Portlanders by:
- implementing research-driven initiatives;
- coordinating a citywide network of programs and services that improve the lives of at-risk youth.
Connected by 25 is led by the Portland Schools Foundation and represents a coalition of local corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and education and advocacy groups.
Why Here? Why Now?
Portland is a place where great things can happen for young people. We can be a national leader for what all communities can – and should – be for young people. Portland already offers innovative programs and creative vision, but there’s more we need to do.
- Only half of Portland 10th-graders are meeting academic standards in reading. Less than half meet academic standards in math.
- Only 57% of all high school students who enroll in high school in PPS graduate.
- Children of color and poor kids do significantly worse than other kids on academic standards, and they are far less likely to graduate from high school.
- Less than 20% of all Oregon high school graduates get a college degree.
- Annual income is dropping for every segment of our population except college graduates. People without a high school diploma face the sharpest drop in earnings.
- 8,000 young Portlanders age 16-24 are not in school and are not employed.
We know young people thrive when they are connected to work, school, and their community. It boils down to opportunity and access. The reality is that the job is too big for any one organization to take on alone.
How Can We Make a Difference?
By coming together: Dozens of partners stepping up with time, money, program resources, and creative vision to put young Portlanders on a path to success in adulthood.
By expanding resources: Many factors must be overcome for at-risk youth to succeed. It’s even harder for kids of color, kids who are poor, and kids who are new to this country. We need more services and resources to address growing inequities and put all young people on a path to success. Cx25 will strengthen and expand best practices by researching what is working across the country.
By demanding action: In today’s fast-changing global economy, our economic vitality depends on the capability of tomorrow’s workforce. This is a Call to Action for our business and community leaders.