Summer Dreaming Program

Since 2021, our mentoring initiative includes an 8-week summer program, offering comprehensive experience focused on providing Black and other students 13 new and unique experiences within an educational and supportive environment of peers and mentors. Programming focuses on four cornerstones: Wellness and Social Emotional Learning; Outdoor Education and Exploration; Black Portland; and Business & Career Exploration.

Centered within these cornerstones, students explore parts of Portland and the Oregon coast that have not been historically accessible to the BIPOC population, especially our youth. This program fosters a safe way for students to connect and reconnect with one another during a period where Portland is experiencing a rise in shootings due to the pandemic and the dire conditions it has exacerbated in vulnerable communities. Understanding that many within our population face food insecurity and transportation needs, we will offer free food and transportation to each event.

Traditionally operating only during the school year leaves our connections with the students vulnerable during the summer. This program permits us to stay connected with the youth we serve year-round, therefore, deepening our engagement and influence in their lives while supporting the positive outcomes we seek like increases in school attendance and GPA’s as well as decreases in disciplinary actions. With our 12 passenger van, we transport students to events during the summer and later use it during the school year.

Each week starts with a virtual education delivered with culturally specific facilitation. Due to the impact of Comprehensive Distance Learning, the need for Wellness & Social Emotional Learning activities remains high. Selected activities give students the tools both to identify their triggers and to regulate their emotions. Outdoor Education expose youth from historically underserved communities to many green spaces in Oregon, allowing for de-stigmatization and re-claiming of those spaces that will lead to new opportunities. Activities centered on Black Portland aim to show the detailed history of the Black community in Portland, taking a deep dive on community programs, black businesses and our connections to our community. The week of Business & Career Exploration, consist of seeing the workings of businesses both large and small and different industries, exposing students to Black men and women working across Portland--whether entrepreneurs or employees.