"Kids start learning when they have a one-on-one relationship with an adult who cares about their education, and can connect its relevance to their life goals. We need many, many more adults in Oregon capable of having these one-on-one relationships. This is one of the most important education projects happening in Oregon right now. A dropout costs Oregon $8,460 a year; none of us can afford this human and economic loss"

• Help staff and volunteers become more effective at what they do.

• Information, skills, strategies, tips and activities to help create and sustain strong relationships with kids.

• Supplement existing training and reinforce good practices.

• Easy-to-use design and flexible scheduling.

• Help recruit, train and maintain volunteers, staff and teachers. Reduce turnover!

• Knowledge and skills to increase Cultural Competence and awareness.

• Strengthen community connections.

• Ongoing access to online learning community and resources that teachers, mentors and counselors can use everyday.

• Provide a place to go where users can share ideas, ask questions, and participate in conversation with peers and specialists.

Making Connections Advisory Committee

Ken Thrasher, Chair,
Compli

Kristine Baggett,
Beaverton Education Foundation

Brandon Bassett,
Metropolitan Family Service

Carolyn Becic,
Oregon Mentors

Jay Bloom,
Bloom Anew

Rich Brown,
Bank of America

Jill Eiland,
Intel

Michael Garringer,
Northwest Regional Ed Lab

Tom Keller,
PSU School of Social Work

Paula Kinney,
Park Academy

Charles McGee,
Black Parent Initiative

Steffani Mendoza Gray,
City of Portland

Randy Miller,
Moore Co.

David Roy,
Knowledge Learning Corporation

Von Summers,
NW Natural

Linda Wright,
Coldwell Banker

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Testimonial

"I signed up for this course because it sounded informative, helpful, and useful in my job. I never thought that I would be downloading so many materials to use with my students and to share with the staff. Just last week our Hispanic Outreach Worker emailed to request resources to better serve our Latino families. I invited her to come on down and visit with me! I have also shared the various resources offered through this course with other district counselors. They have been most appreciative. I have even gained a few new lesson plans and some new strategies on how we can work towards having an even better impact on our students Overall, this course helped me see just how much our community, our school, really does offer our students and their families. I can't wait for the summer break, but I also can't wait for the fall!"

-L. Pfister,
Hillsboro School District