2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 46

THE PORTLAND PLAN

Thriving Educated Youth

Element 3

Neighborhoods and communities
that support youth
Strong, positive relationships
with caring and supportive
adults are critical to youth
success. Enriching afterschool and summer
activities and safe schools
and neighborhoods free
of bullying and gang
activity are also important.
Neighborhoods and
communities that support
intergenerational activities
include the optimal blend
of ingredients to improve
the likelihood of positive
outcomes for youth.
Equally critical are the physical environments in which youth are raised. Youth
must have safe homes and neighborhoods; affordable transit; safe bicycling
and walking routes to school and other destinations; access to recreation and
nature to improve their mental and physical health, with a corresponding
benefit to their academic and social outcomes; and safe, welcoming places
for positive social interaction with peers and mentors. Stable housing is also
a key contributor to student success. Data shows that when students move
frequently and change schools, achievement often suffers.
The SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Service System, which is a
partnership of Multnomah County, Portland Parks and Recreation and several
local nonprofit organizations, has a strong record of promoting educational
success and family self-sufficiency. Through its integrated network of social
and support services for youth, families and community members, SUN
manages an array of community-based services including academic support
and skill development for youth, early childhood programs, parent-family
involvement and education, after-school and summer activities, physical and
mental health programs, anti-poverty services and many others. Numerous
nonprofit and faith-based programs also actively support youth and families
throughout the community.
Parents, public agencies, public schools, higher education institutions,
businesses and other non-parent community members can collaborate to
offer volunteer and mentoring opportunities at every public school and in
other community settings. Through mutually beneficial partnerships among
local businesses, schools and colleges, school-to-work pathways can be
tailored to address the demands of a nimble workforce that is responsive to
economic changes and new opportunities.

40

Guiding Policies
Capitalize on the opportunities that
public schools offer as honored
T-10 places of learning as well as multifunctional neighborhood anchors
to serve local residents of all
generations.
Focus public investment in
community infrastructure including
T-11 education, recreation, housing,
transportation, health and social
services to reduce disparities faced
by youth of color, families in poverty,
youth with disabilities and others
at risk of not graduating from high
school.
Stabilize housing for homeless and
low-income families with young
T-12 children to reduce student mobility
rates and provide educational
continuity for students throughout
the school year.
Support collaborative efforts
between public safety providers,
T-13 youth and other community
members, organizations and
businesses to decrease gang
violence and other threats to public
safety through positive relationshipbuilding and holistic approaches.
Target city budget decisions to
support local school districts’
T-14 major capital investments through
complementary improvements
including recreational fields,
sidewalks and safe crossings, and
others that leverage limited capital
funding available for schools within
the city.
Make it easier for students to get
to school, work and other needed
T-15 services on public transit.

April 2012 | www.pdxplan.com