Did you know a record 1,200+ volunteers helped Portland-area high school students through our nonprofit this school year?
Some volunteers are company leaders; others are just starting out. Either way, they share a common desire to help Portland teenagers gain access to good careers. (We often hear them saying, “I wish someone had helped ME figure this stuff out when I was in high school!”)
Volunteers allowed us to have our best NW Youth Careers Expo ever in March, with 170+ exhibitors and 75+ high schools. They also powered our busy spring schedule, packed with Career Days, mock interviews and mentorship opportunities.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF SPRING CAREER DAYS
Our volunteers let students go behind-the-scenes at hospitals, design studios, tech companies and apprenticeship training centers. Students tried out high-tech equipment (virtual reality) and low-tech office perks (foosball). They simulated a Code Blue, soldered copper wire, designed an ad campaign, and peppered volunteers with questions about their jobs.
“It was so inspiring to hear from various artists who are making their dreams happen.” – PPS student, Design Week Portland Career Day
in mid-June, PWA celebrated the end of the school year by electing seven new board members for 2017-18 from leading employers, including Kaiser Permanente and Puppet.
“I believe in the power of connection to change how we see our futures,” says incoming board president Jane Williams, a manager for Multnomah County. “That is what PWA does every day for youth and, to be honest, for all of us who volunteer to serve, too!”
