This summer, we watched some of our favorite seniors graduate and start the next phase of their lives. We saw the “lightbulb” go off when they explored careers in high school. We witnessed their confidence grow as caring adults – teachers, mentors, volunteers – helped them develop career aspirations.

Thanks to you, PWA helped thousands of students this year. Thanks to you, our work will grow in 2015-16.

SEE OUR 2015 ANNUAL REPORT.
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PWA had its most successful year ever in 2014-15. We created for Oregon high school students more than 8,700 career-learning experiences this year, including career days, mentorships, job shadows, mock interviews and the NW Youth Careers Expo.  At the direction of our board, we also expanded our outreach to students at higher-poverty, diverse high schools.

But our work isn’t done: Oregon has one of the nation’s lowest graduation rates, and household income sits stubbornly below the national average. Too many of our young people lack the skills and education for Oregon’s best jobs. We’ll keep working together to offer in-depth, career-learning experiences that help students make informed, inspired decisions about their education.  Our mission, as always, is to raise the graduation rate, develop our workforce and help young people find great careers.

EXPLORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED.

Take a look at our new annual report to learn more about our work and finances, and mark your calendars for the 12th annual NW Youth Careers Expo on Feb. 24, 2016. Please also consider making a tax-deductible donation to PWA in honor of a mentor, teacher or boss who helped you find your career path. We’ll use your donation to pay it forward.

OTHER BLOG FEATURES

Portland Workforce Alliance releases 2015 annual report, looks ahead