July 18, 2008 "Promoting parent, business and community involvement in our schools"

Organization Profile

Helping youth achieve success!
It is generally recognized that children's success in school is directly related to how much their family and community support their education. The Portland Education Partnership is committed to building strong family and community support for learning in the Portland Public Schools.

The Portland Education Partnership has a strong track record of success. Ten part-time Partnership Developers work in the Portland public schools to solicit volunteers, write grants, organize events, manage business partnerships and inform the community about school activities. Last year over 2,640 volunteers contributed over 86,000 volunteer hours to the Portland school community.

Founded
The Portland Education Partnership is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization supported by private donations, grants and the City of Portland. Created in 1989, the Partnership works to maximize and support comprehensive parent, business and community involvement in our schools. We are specifically committed to helping schools implement the Learning Results.

Business and Community Partners
One hundred thirty-nine area businesses and community organizations are matched with Portland public schools for the purpose of enhancing and improving education for our students. These partnerships encourage community involvement in the development of youth and help schools prepare today's learners for tomorrow's challenges.

Education
Last year the Portland Education Partnership, the Portland public schools and the Forecaster partnered to publish a semiannual Education supplement. Education shares what's happening in the Portland public schools with the Portland community.

Caring Through Volunteering
One of the most significant achievements of the Partnership has been to place a part-time Partnership Developer in our schools (serving a total of 7,100 students) Each Partnership Developer welcomes, encourages and facilitates parent and community involvement.

Reaching Out
Grant money is solicited and channeled directly to schools to support curriculum development through classroom grants. Proceeds from Spell Masters and other fundraisers directly support student learning. During the 2006/2007 school year, over $226,000 in grants and contributions and over $575,000 in inkind donations were received.