Connecting Youth to Job Opportunities
Imagine a world where every young person in Portland has the opportunity to secure a job and build a brighter future. That's the world POIC is striving for, and with events like the annual Work Connections gathering, we are one step closer. On a typically gloomy Thursday in downtown Portland, community leaders and organizations came together at the corner of 12th and Washington to discuss how we all can support our youth in workforce development. We shared food, drinks, and animated conversations; all centered around finding solutions to uplift young people.
The importance of jobs for youth cannot be overstated. We know that the more people are in jobs, the more people are safe. That's why we were thrilled to hear the success stories of three Rosemary Anderson High School alums who participated in internships, graduated from college, or are enrolled in a 4-year degree program. These young people demonstrated that youth can thrive in the workforce and build meaningful careers when given the opportunity.
Their inspiring stories highlighted the importance of building lasting bonds with students and providing them with the support they need to succeed even after they receive their high school diploma. All of it is thanks to partnerships with businesses that share the goal of helping youth secure jobs and build brighter futures.
POIC wants to extend a huge thank you to Cherylβs on the 12th for hosting and catering this event. Thanks also to all the community leaders and organizations who joined us to make that gloomy Thursday bright. We are grateful for your commitment to uplifting our youth and building a better future for all of us.
βWhen they [POIC] call, I answer... and vice versa.β
- Zach McKay
βThe schoolβ¦provided the spark for my interest in the natural resources.β
- Liz Coll
βPOIC was the support I never had at home.β
- Mykajah Jackson
A Word From Our Work Connections 2023 Sponsors
Thank You Sponsors!
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