Creating Opportunities for Youth

About Connected Lane County

Connected Lane County is a mission-driven organization striving to improve outcomes for underserved youth in Lane County. Our team works collaboratively with Lane County school districts, industry partners, workgroups, and community organizations to create opportunities and prepare young people for their lives beyond high school. By identifying and bridging gaps, working to change systems, and creating safe spaces, we’re helping youth succeed. 

Our Programs

We are dedicated to fostering safe and equitable learning environments for all youth. Our programs help young people overcome barriers to life and learning while supporting their growth. Elevate connects youth to career learning through job shadows and internships. Navigate provides work readiness and school re-engagement support. Spark offers safe spaces for hands-on STEM learning. Excelerators provide fast-track training in high-demand fields like Culinary, Health, Manufacturing, and Technology. We also offer the Agency, BIPOC Blueprint, Drop-In Services, Rent Well Tenant Education, Youth Advisory Board, Youth Support Specialist training, and more. Check out all upcoming events and experiences!

Our Mission

We equip Lane County youth with the tools to help them gain confidence in their abilities and see value in their decisions. We break down barriers, build bridges, and create strategic partnerships to connect youth with education and employment pathways to transform their future potential.

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Purple, Light, Up, Invention Lab Glasses made by youth

Our Vision

We create opportunities to increase the relevance for each learner to connect to their lives beyond graduation, and intentionally connect partners to meet the needs of youth in Lane County.

Meet Our Team

Our Equity Stance

At Connected Lane County, we are committed to creating a safe and equitable learning environment for all youth. Youth in our programs represent a wide variety of backgrounds and identities including racial, ethnic, linguistic, diverse ability, neurodiversity, sexual identity, religious, socioeconomic, housing, and family status. We want every youth that participates in our programs to experience a sense of belonging. We:

  • Believe communities’ histories, values, and practices contribute to diverse and equitable approaches to solving problems.
  • Intentionally and explicitly identify and recruit historically underserved and/or underrepresented participants.
  • Recognize the importance of utilizing curriculum and approaches that are culturally relevant and responsive to the communities being served.
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Our Partners

We collaborate with local school districts, institutions of higher education, the local workforce board, and industry innovators to provide underrepresented Lane County youth with vital experiences. Partners share information, increase cooperation, and aid students in their education transitions to identify and address systemic barriers that harm equity and accessibility for all youth.

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Every month, you'll receive updates about events, opportunities for youth, and ways you can partner with us.

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