Summer Youth Connect

What is Summer Youth Connect?

A four-year series of interventions for targeted high school students during the summer months. Each year, students receive progressively more intensive academic support and career and college experiences as they move toward graduation and into higher education, training, and jobs. Sponsored by the City of Portland, Multnomah County, Portland Schools Foundation, and Worksystems, Inc., last summer’s effort reached 1,650 students.

Students can participate in Summer Youth Connect at various stages of high school.

Ninth Grade Counts Focused on incoming 9^th graders

Connects students with the academic support and life experiences to start high school on the right track. Through affiliated, community-based programs, students receive academic support and build high school readiness skills. Weekly hands-on tours and interactions with adults at a broad range of career and college sites connect the classroom with the world of work.

Career + College Connections (C^3) Focused on rising 10^th graders

Exposes students to the world of work in greater depth to help inform education and career planning. Students assess their skills, research careers, and participate in job shadows and informational interviews at various worksites. Plus, students have the opportunity to attend credit recovery and earn additional high school credits.

Youth SummerWorks Focused on rising 11^th /12^thgraders and beyond

Engages young people in high-growth, high-demand career opportunities while enhancing academic and marketable skills. Delivered through Worksystems’ network of Youth Provider Agencies, participants receive work-readiness training and targeted academic skill-building followed by 180-hours of paid work experience at work sites across the region. .

How can I get involved?

Students: Participate in a Summer Youth Connect affiliated program

Ninth Grade Counts Career+College Connections Youth SummerWorks

Parent/Community Member: Volunteer as a Career Coach

Businesses: Host a career site visit

Want more information? Contact Reese Lord: reese.lord@portlandoregon.gov 503.823.4027

Mayor Sam Adams

Summer Youth Connect