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EDUCATION


Portland Public Schools Provides Board of Education Rightsizing Scenarios
Scenarios A and B propose closing 14 and 11 schools, along with boundary, grade-level and program changes Superintendent, Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong (Photo Courtsey of Portland Public Schools) Portland Public Schools sent Rightsizing proposals to the Board of Education to address decades of declining and increasingly uneven enrollment. Scenario A proposes closing 14 schools and Scenario B proposes closing 11, along with boundary, grade-level and program changes. A third option
Oct 7


Future Connect Celebrates 15 Years of College Success
Building Pathways from College Access to Completion Board of Director Tiffany Penson (left) chats with PCC Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline at the anniversary celebration at Willow Creek Oregon’s community colleges are drawing students back, but will they stay? Two-year enrollment rose 6.6% in fiscal year 2025, even as the state’s latest affordability measure found that 35% of resident students faced college costs beyond their expected resources. For first-gen
Oct 7


Growing a Leader Through Community Engagement
OES Student Finds Her Voice Through Her Mentor Jayda Boston and Maria Mclvor. (Photo Credit: Mitch Forness, OES photographer) Jayda Boston didn't arrive at OES knowing she wanted to make community engagement a central part of her life. That commitment took shape over several years through conversations with nonprofit leaders, student-led fundraisers, and countless opportunities to learn how meaningful change begins with listening. Much of that growth occurred under the guidan
Aug 5


Students Recognized at National History Day Contest
Students showcase research and storytelling skills on a national stage Equality in History Winners (Credit-Laura-Wilson) Thirty-eight Oregon students traveled to the University of Maryland this summer to compete in the National History Day® (NHD®) Contest, joining nearly 3,000 students from across the United States in one of the nation's premier history education competitions. Representing 21 projects, Oregon students showcased original documentaries, exhibits, papers, perfor
Aug 5


Local Students to Receive Free Back to School Supplies
OnPoint is matching donations during the KGW School Supply Drive Photo courtesy of OnPoint Community Credit Union OnPoint Community Credit Union will begin accepting school supply donations during the month of August to help local teachers and students. The credit union will distribute donations with the help of Schoolhouse Supplies, a local nonprofit that provides free school supplies to under-resourced students and classrooms across the Portland area. OnPoint will also give
Aug 5


Building Brighter Futures Through Education and Community
Creating opportunities for children and families to thrive Angela Benson, founder and owner of Ladybugs Childcare, Ladybugs Childcare 2 and Ladybugs Academy. For Angela Benson, caring for children is more than a career—it’s a calling. As the founder and owner of Ladybugs Childcare, Ladybugs Childcare 2, and Ladybugs Academy in Portland, Oregon, Angela has dedicated her life to creating safe, nurturing, and enriching environments where children can thrive while families feel s
Aug 5


Dr. Rashida Willard Joins Mt. Hood CC Leadership
New vice president will oversee equity and student services Dr. Rashida Willard (Photo courtesy of Mt. Hood Community College) Mt. Hood Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rashida Willard as MHCC Vice President for Equity and Student Services, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Willard brings a deep commitment to student success, equity, and inclusivity. Throughout the search process, she demonstrated thoughtful leadership, a strong understanding of the d
Jul 23


Oregon Community Foundation Expands Investment in Education
Supporting Equity, Access and Student Success Statewide KairosPDX (Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation) Oregon Community Foundation is investing more than $1.5 million in education initiatives designed to strengthen student success, expand STEM learning opportunities and support the child care workforce. The investments include grants supporting Black Student Success programs across Oregon; funding for Oregon’s regional STEM Hubs and support for statewide scholarships tha
Jun 17


Seven Earn Tenure at Clark College
Trustees recognize outstanding educators Back row, left to right: Board Chair Marilee Scarbrough, Trustee Jeanne Bennett, Nicole Mottier, Sarah Blanchette, Tina Jenkins, Jeff Rush, Kevin Edwards, Bo Li, President Karin Edwards, Dr. William ‘Terry’ Brown. (Photo Courtesy of Clark College) The Clark College Board of Trustees unanimously granted tenure to seven outstanding educators: Kevin Edwards of the Library, Jeff Rush of the Diesel program, Bo Li of Nursing, Nicole Mottier
Jun 17


Student Named 2026 Avel Gordly Scholar
Recognizing Excellence in Education Ava S. Cabine Ava S. Cabine, member of the Clackamas High School class of 2026, is named the fourth winner of the Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship for Oregon Black Women. Cabine received a $3,500 scholarship, renewable to support four years at her “dream school,” Spelman College. At Clackamas High School, Ava was active in the Black Student Union and the Varsity Dance Team. She was also part of the student council and a member of the National
Jun 17


Clackamas Community College Receives Second Historic Donation
The Holdens have a long history and connection with Clackamas Community College and the surrounding community Terry and Cheryl Holden Clackamas Community College has received a second historic $5 million gift from long-time career and technical education (CTE) advocates Terry and Cheryl Holden to advance the college’s planned Natural Resources Center. In 2021, the Holdens donated $5 million to establish the Holden CTE Capital Projects Funds to help support the constructio
Jun 17


Portland Teens Find Purpose Through PATHfinder Club
A Secret Chord: Poetry, Stories & Art by The PATHfinder & POPS Clubs Photo courtesy of the PATHfinder Network Just four years ago, Portland’s gem of a nonprofit, The Pathfinder Network, brought The PATHfinder Club (TPC) to the teens of Portland with the first TPC at Parkrose High. Since then, the clubs have expanded to other venues, in large measure thanks to unending support from the Parkrose school district and from Superintendent Michael Lopes-Serrae to Principal Molly Ou
May 6


Multnomah County Extends Preschool for All Application Deadline
Families gain additional time to apply Photo courtesy of Multnomah County Communications Office Multnomah County announced today it is extending the application deadline for Preschool for All to Thursday, May 14, 2026. Originally scheduled to close on April 30, this extension gives families an additional two weeks to apply for the 2026-27 school year. Preschool for All offers families a range of preschool options, including community-based programs, school-based classrooms,
May 6


Portland Parks Seeks Ninth-Graders for Caddie Program
No experience needed; scholarships available The PP&R EAGLE caddies from the 2025 season pose at Waverly Country Club on a sunny day in early 2026. (Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation) Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is now accepting applications for the three-year Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment (EAGLE) Caddie Program. This unique program gives current ninth-grade students the chance to gain valuable work experience, earn money over the com
Mar 18


Get Help with Financial Aid at Clackamas CC
Learn about scholarships and get expert guidance Photo courtesy of Clackamas Community College Clackamas Community College invites students and their families to attend the CCC Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Workshop on April 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the college’s Oregon City campus in the Wacheno Welcome Center. This event is designed to help students navigate the financial aid process, including the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), ORSAA (Oregon Stu
Mar 18


Focused on Student Success, Enrollment, Growth, & Workforce Programs
Clark College 2026 Address Highlights Achievements and Challenges LtoR: PTK Student President, Lindsey Quiroz; College President Dr. Karin Edwards; ASCC Student President, Alijah Machida Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards delivered the annual State of the College address on March 12 in Gaiser Student Center. The address provides an opportunity to share the progress, challenges, and vision guiding the college forward, offering an overview of the institution’s current pr
Mar 18


Clackamas ESD Invites Nominations for First Annual Mission Awards
New awards program celebrates leadership & innovation across Clackamas County Photo courtesy of Clackamas work district Clackamas Education Service District is inviting nominations for its first annual Mission Awards, a new opportunity to celebrate the people who make a lasting difference for students, schools and communities. Created to recognize excellence aligned with Clackamas ESD’s mission and values, the Mission Awards honor individuals whose work reflects leadership, s
Mar 18


Rising Child Care Costs Fuel Major Political Push in Key Races
Group Invests $50M to Elevate Child Care, Elder Care in 2026 Races Children draw in one of the classrooms at the Children’s Promise Centers child care center in Albuquerque, N.M., April 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File) (AP) An advocacy group seeking to expand support for child and elder care says it plans to spend $50 million to boost Democrats in key congressional races, aiming to tie the rising cost of caregiving to the nation’s broader affordability debate. T
Mar 18


Black Family-Owned Non-Profit Host a Virtual Talk on Raising Money
A Children and Financial Literacy Virtual Discussion Kevon and Kim Chisolm, and their son, Kamari Kevon and Kim Chisolm, and their son, Kamari, the founders of Junior Wallstreeters, will host a virtual discussion titled Let’s Talk About Money: Children and Financial Literacy: A Family Focus on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12pm to 1pm EST. This virtual discussion is prepared for parents, educators, and school leaders who want to support healthier money conversations with
Feb 18


REAP Celebrates 25 Years Advancing Equity Across the Northwest
Breaking barriers and building young leaders REAP Students (Photo courtesy of REAP Inc.) What began in 2001 as a bold vision to amplify youth voices has materialized into one of the Northwest's most impactful youth serving organizations. This year, REAP celebrates 25 years of breaking down systemic barriers, developing young leaders, and fundamentally reshaping how schools and communities support students across the region. From its Portland roots, REAP has grown into a regio
Feb 18


Child Care Funding Frozen
Federal action raises questions for programs People gather for a news conference at the state capitol in St. Paul Minn., on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. (AP Giovanna Dell’Orto) (AP) The Trump administration has said it is freezing child care funds to all states until they provide more verification about the programs in a move fueled by a series of fraud schemes at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents. All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republ
Jan 7


Black-Led Nonprofits Receive Major Funding
Funds aimed at programs improving student outcomes Y.O.U.T.H. (Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation) The Oregon Community Foundation announced $720,000 in new grants to 30 Black-led, Black-serving nonprofits across Oregon, many located in North and Northeast Portland. The grants are designed to strengthen organizations that improve outcomes for Black students statewide. Through its Black Student Success Initiative, the Oregon Community Foundation has supported culturally l
Dec 20, 2025


Holdens Pledge $500,000 To Molalla High School Sports Complex
A campaign to Make Critical Upgrades to Increase Usability Terry and Cheryl Holden Momentum is soaring for the $3.35 million campaign to transform Molalla High School’s Burghardt Sports Complex. Philanthropists Terry (class of 1968) and Cheryl Holden have pledged a transformational $500,000 gift. The Holden’s are splitting their gift with $250,000 supporting the major capital improvements and $250,000 going to an ongoing maintenance fund, ensuring that the facility remains in
Dec 3, 2025


Teacher Education Program Earns Full Accreditation
State Approval Recognizes Program & Strengthens Region’s Education Workforce 2025 BASTE Grads at Commencement Clark College is proud to announce that its Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program has been fully accredited by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) of Washington state. The board approved the accreditation at its Nov. 13 meeting. PESB is the state body responsible for reviewing and approving teacher preparation programs in Wash
Dec 3, 2025


New Postal Service History Book Out Now
Discover how mail shaped America and still evolves today Photo courtesy of the USPS A book chronicling the 250-year history of the U.S. postal system is now available for purchase. “Delivering for America: How the United States Postal Service Built a Nation” was written by James H. Bruns, a former director of the National Postal Museum. The book explores the integral role of USPS in American history, from its role in early colonial days to becoming a critical communication l
Nov 7, 2025


Preschool for All Opens Hundreds of Seats
New Openings and Ongoing Care Slots Available Families can now apply for mid-year seats through the application portal. Multnomah County’s Preschool for All (PFA) program today announced the beginning of its 2025 mid-year application period, adding hundreds of new, tuition-free preschool seats for the 2025-26 school year. The seats are a combination of brand new openings and 'continuity of care' seats for children already attending a PFA site but not yet enrolled in the prog
Nov 7, 2025


Artist Chosen for Hollywood Library Community Mural
Library Partners with Street Art Alliance for Artwork Kyler Martz (Photo by Portland Street Art Alliance) Multnomah County Library (MCL) and the Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) are expanding their efforts to bring community-centered artwork to libraries throughout Multnomah County. This work is part of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond which will build, rebuild or expand eight library buildings. Smaller upgrades to 11 libraries are almost complete as part of
Nov 7, 2025


CCC Holds Teaching and Education Transfer Fair
Meet with University Representatives & Learn about Transfer Pathways Photo Courtesy of Clackamas Community College Clackamas Community College will host a Teaching and Education Transfer Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Family Resource Center on the Oregon City campus. This free event is designed for those considering a future in education. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with university representatives, learn about transfer pathways an
Oct 22, 2025


Mt. Hood Community College Earns Four Medallion Wins, Igniting Community Pride!
MHCC Celebrates Outstanding Achievements in Marketing & Communications From Left to Right: Nell Hart, Colby Sunderland, Margo Whitmire, Jennifer Boehmer, Abby Minnieweather Mt. Hood Community College’s Marketing and College Relations team proudly received four distinguished Medallion Awards at the recent District 7 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) Conference. These prestigious accolades celebrate outstanding achievements in marketing, communicat
Oct 22, 2025


New Partnership Supports PSU Business Students' Careers
Career Resources and Financial Insights Photo Courtesy of OnPoint Community Credit Union OnPoint Community Credit Union announced a new partnership with The School of Business at Portland State University, to help prepare students for a successful career. OnPoint will be folded into several School of Business events throughout the 2025-2026 school year, while also providing guest speakers and panelists for business classes and gatherings. Oregon’s largest credit union will al
Oct 8, 2025


A Giant Among Us: The Legacy of Michael “Chappie” Grice
Michael “Chappie” Grice was a visionary educator and community leader in Portland who dedicated his life to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and equity. He founded and co-founded numerous programs that celebrated Black history, elevated the arts, and taught leadership to future generations. Through his unwavering commitment to education and mentorship, Grice left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and uplift communities.
Sep 24, 2025


Clark College Awarded $78K Jobs Skills Grant
Clark Partners with Local Companies for Workforce Training Clark College Campus Clark College has been awarded $77,610 job skills grant...
Sep 10, 2025


OMSI’s Oregon Science Festival
Celebrating the importance of science Attendees focused on science experiments at OMSI The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)...
Sep 10, 2025


From Prisoner to Advocate
Exoneree Share’s His Story at Oregon Innocence Project Benefit Calvin at Law School Graduation. Calvin Duncan spent nearly three decades...
Sep 10, 2025


Partnership Helps 250 Kids Gear Up for School
Portland Police Bureau and Fred Meyer Team Up for Students Sunshine Division, the Portland Police Bureau, and Fred Meyer teamed up on...
Aug 20, 2025


A celebration of Community, Culture & Hope
Peace & Unity Fest Returns Portland’s most uplifting summer festival is back! The Peace & Unity Fest will take place on Saturday, August...
Aug 20, 2025


With Purpose: Warner Pacific Graduates Embody Bold Futures
A commitment to transformative education is seen in students answering the call to serve their communities Ivonne WPU Nursing Grad At...
Aug 6, 2025


A Collaboration that Aims to Address the Growing Need for Early Childhood Educators
PCC, MHCC Launch CDA Program to Train Next Generation of Preschool Teachers Student works with kids in Early Childhood Development Center...
Aug 6, 2025


Breaking Barriers &Building Futures
Robin Holmes-Sullivan Leads with Purpose Lewis & Clark President Robin Holmes-Sullivan Back-to-school is Lewis & Clark President Robin...
Aug 6, 2025


Clark & PTK Help Students Thrive on Every Level
How a Community College Honor Society Empowers Clark Students Gurraj Singh Dhami A new school year at Clark means introducing a new...
Aug 6, 2025


Oregon Ballet Theatre, Albina Head Start Mark 35 Years
Partnership brings dance to Portland kids Albina Head Start students exploring creative movement on a field trip to OBT Studios (Photo...
Jul 24, 2025


Kenton Library Welcomes Readers Back
Doors Reopen to Updated Space Exterior of Kenton Library; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library Kenton Library is reopened to the...
Jul 24, 2025


Welding Lights Career Paths for Native American Women
PCC training opens doors to trade jobs Mis Ter Rae Two Crow (Photo Courtesy of Portland Community College) At Portland Community...
Jul 23, 2025


Reading Program Brings Summer Literacy to Ockley Green
NFL’s Alex Green visits ‘Leap into 6th Grade’ camp Alex Green and Student (Photo Courtesy of Blosser Center) Even though it is summer...
Jul 23, 2025


Shereef Elnahal Named OHSU's Sixth President
Health care leader to take office Aug. 11, 2025 Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. (OHSU) In a unanimous vote, the Oregon Health & Science...
Jul 14, 2025


Black Education Elders Honored for Their Legacy
Community honors lifelong support for students From left to right Ron Herndon, Barbara Ward, Tony Hopson, Cynthina Richardson, Dr. Ernest...
Jul 14, 2025


Clark College Grants Tenure to Educators
Recognized for Professional Excellence and Exceptional Expertise Back row, left to right: Trustee Marilee Scarbrough; Giga Alqeeq,...
Jun 23, 2025


PCC Student Named 2025 Cooke Foundation Scholar
Awarded $55,000 Scholarship to Attend NYU This Fall Headed to New York University this fall, Diego Lobato has been named a 2025 Jack Kent...
Jun 23, 2025


A Prestige Scholarship for Oregon Black Women
S erah Judd wins the third Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship Serah Judd, Howard University Class of 2028 Serah Judd, a sophomore at Howard...
Jun 4, 2025


Highlighting MHCC’s Strategic Growth & Equity Innovation
Mt. Hood Community College Receives National Award for Exemplary CEO & Board Partnership (left to right): Board Member, ShaToyia Bentley,...
May 22, 2025
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