Though school looks a lot different this fall, PWA's mission is the same: We still believe in big dreams and good jobs for ALL students.

We're thankful for the many employer partners opening their virtual doors to students this fall, starting with Greenbrier Gunderson this Friday. We're also thankful for educators and career coordinators working with us under extraordinary circumstances to help young people get inspired and prepared for life after high school, especially during this time of social and economic upheaval.

Click here to view our upcoming career talks. Watch for additional virtual opportunities with employers such as Mahlum Architects, Nike, ZGF Architects, Wieden+Kennedy, PCC Swan Island Trades Center and more. We will update our events page and this list of career experiences as more virtual programming is scheduled, including our upcoming Future of Nursing Mentor Program.

Did you know October is Careers in Construction month? Click here to learn more about PWA's construction partners, find out about upcoming construction-related events, apply for the ACE Mentor Program of Oregon, and revisit the construction zone from Expo2Go.

The PWA Board of Directors plays a critical role in PWA's growth and direction. Each month, we'll highlight a board member and their contributions to PWA. This month, meet Andre Goodlow, Assistant Principal at Parkrose High School, one of PWA's partner schools.

At PWA, we are committed to becoming a more equitable, diverse and inclusive organization. Below are a few resources we are excited to pass along:

• PHAME PDX has some great resources here from the Autism at Work program and contact information for community partners
• Oct. 8 Virtual Event: Design Week: "Creating Accessibility Across Industries"

Stay tuned for the annual NW Youth Careers Expo, which will likely take place virtually this year in March 2021. In the meantime, students can still browse last year's Expo2Go with information about local employers and careers.

As always, a special thank you to our funders including Legacy Health, the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of Associated General Contractors, the Jim & Dianna Murphy Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation and Alaska Airlines Foundation. We are so grateful for our individual donors as well. Please consider making a gift to PWA this month, or sign up as a monthly donor. Even small gifts of money and time add up to make a big difference.