INTRODUCING: CONNECTED BY 25
HISTORIC EFFFORT TO HELP EVERY YOUNG PORTLANDER ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN SCHOOL, WORK & COMMUNITY
- Groundbreaking research fortifies effort to identify every at-risk teen & young adult in Portland and reverse downward spiral -
Portland, OR – May 17, 2007 – An historic citywide effort that builds on Portland’s extraordinary civic energy launched today with a singular commitment: connect every young Portlander to school, work and community by the age of 25. Fortified with cutting edge research from the University of Washington and funding support from the nationally acclaimed Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Connected by 25 brings together more than three dozen leading business and civic partners who are stepping up with time, money and creative vision to change the lives of thousands of young Portlanders and put them on a path to success in adulthood.
"Too many young adults are not prepared for success at work, school or to contribute to their community in a meaningful way," said Portland Mayor Tom Potter. "For Portland to succeed, we need to make sure our young people are succeeding. That's why I'm so glad to see Connected by 25 lead this critical initiative."
Portland already offers a high quality of life for young people through innovative programs and creative vision, but it’s not enough.
• Only half of Portland 10th-graders are meeting academic standards in reading. Less than half do in math.
• Less than 20% of all Oregon high school graduates get a college degree.
• Annual income is dropping for every segment of our population except college graduates and those with an advanced degree. People without a high school degree face the sharpest drop in earnings.
• 8,000 young Portlanders age 16-24 are not in school and not employed.
“The reality is the job is too big for any one organization to take on alone,” said Stephen Hawke, Portland General Electric Senior Vice President. “Young people thrive when they are connected to work, school, and their community. It boils down to opportunity, access and a willingness to engage – one person at a time.”
Connected by 25 aims to deliver real results for Portland youth by implementing research-driven initiatives and coordinating a citywide network of highly effective programs and services to ensure all young people succeed.
Connected by 25 is using groundbreaking research to develop a strategic, scientific approach. The study – conducted by the University of Washington and funded by the Gates Foundation – is the country’s most comprehensive look ever at students who leave high school without graduating and represents the starting point for Connected by 25 work. The research tracked every student in the Portland Public School Class of 2004, examining data on individual academic performance and outcomes throughout their high school careers. Researchers learned that 8th grade achievement scores and 9th grade core course failure rates are highly accurate predictors of which students will leave school without graduating.
The ability to identify students at risk is particularly powerful because the research shows that students tend to disengage from school at particular times, most often during summer breaks or at the end of 12th grade — months and in most cases years after the academic indicators have shown they are at risk. Knowing which students are likely to leave school long before they actually do so provides a powerful opportunity to target support programs to at-risk students in a timely and effective fashion.
"Our high schools are improving - but not fast enough," said Superintendent Vicki Phillips. "Achievement scores are rising - but are still far too low. And our graduation rates are increasing, but far too many students leave woefully unprepared to succeed as adults. I am excited to have three dozen community partners committed to meeting this challenge head on, using these strong data to align our efforts to be most effective. These kids are our collective responsibility."
“A wide variety of factors must be overcome for at-risk youth to achieve success,” said Marcus Mundy, president and CEO of the Urban League of Portland. “It’s even harder for kids of color, kids who are poor, and kids who are new to this country. We need more culturally specific services and resources to address the growing inequities and put ALL young people on a path to success in adulthood. Connected by 25 is the group who can get the job done.”
Teachers, principals and administrators across the Portland area are already working on a variety of initiatives to better prepare high school students for success in college and in life: a more rigorous and uniform curriculum, adding back counselors, “small school” environments, increasing graduation requirements, and the development of pathways, internships and mentoring programs.
“Portland schools deserve credit for their willingness to open themselves to the scrutiny of researchers and for their innovative work at crafting a game plan that will help drive Connected by 25 momentum,” said Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler. “Portland has a tremendous opportunity here to be a national leader for what ALL communities can – and should – be for young people.”
Connected by 25 convened a leadership forum of participating organizations today who began developing a detailed action plan. They will take this summer to build their coalition, engage key stakeholders and seek public input for the action plan. In the fall, after schools are back in session, Connected by 25 will convene a broader citywide forum of community groups, educators, parents, students and policymakers. The goal of that gathering will be expanded participation in the coalition and an action plan with specific activities, timelines, and measurable outcomes for increased student achievement.
Portland is one of only five cities across the country selected by the Gates Foundation for this work.
About Connected by 25
Connected By 25 is an unprecedented effort that builds on Portland's extraordinary civic energy and commitment to connect every young Portlander to school, work and community by the age of 25. Connected by 25 delivers real results for our youth by implementing research-driven initiatives and coordinating a citywide network of highly effective programs and services to ensure all young people succeed.
Connected by 25 is led by more than 35 local corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and education and advocacy groups. This work is made possible thanks to the generosity of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Meyer Memorial Trust. For more information about Connected by 25 and how to get involved, please visit www.ConnectedBy25.org.