Education & Youth Development Program Programs

Programs that build leadership and skills

The Urban League Education and Youth Development Program works to strengthen academic and leadership skills amongst low-income middle school and high school students of color in Multnomah County. The components of the programs offered include:

Academic support

The EYDP (Education and Youth Development Program) offers academic support for students who are struggling in math and literacy. The League’s academic coaches provide two hours of one-on-one or group tutorial assistance before and after school and during evening/week-ends. The program particularly targets 6th through 10th grade students, as this is a critical time for improving academic performance.

Mentoring

Our Mentoring program, partnered with Oregon Mentors, connects at risk students with professional adult role models that will provide on-going support and guidance. Many mentors retain relationship with students through to their first year of college and beyond. Strong, lasting relationships are built which help youth understand the connection between education and future career opportunities.

Youth Council

The EYDP is working with youth in the New Columbia housing development on a project to build organization and leadership skills. The project will promote civic engagement through a series of practical workshops and community projects, such as neighborhood clean-up, voter registration and inter-generational projects with neighborhood seniors.

Career Awareness and Internships

Our careers program connects high school students to employers for 60 hour internships in the public and private sectors. Placements have included Tigard Public Works Department, a Portland City Commissioner’s office and ODOT. The project offers a comprehensive support program for students, with career counseling and help with course selection.

Summer Academy

The EYDP Summer Academy is a new initiative that will provide academic enrichment programs for middle school and high school students during the summer months. The program will combine academic tutorials in math and literacy with exploration of African American history, literature and culture. Field trips will reinforce students’ in class learning.