2022-2023 Annual Report
Anchoring To Who We Are
This past year, our guiding words were growth, maturity, and clarity. We have experienced significant expansion over the past few years, and now, we have reached a point where we can ground ourselves and establish our work for the future.
Our staff has prioritized meaningful interactions with every youth, sharing their stories with care and compassion. As we listen to their experiences, recounted in their own words, we are reminded of the profound compassion we hold for each of them. Our organization thrives due to the passion of our incredible team. Together, we have provided support to 3,158 unique youth in Lane County during the 2022-2023 program year.
Accomplishments and Milestones
We are thrilled to share that our achievements this year have been remarkable. We successfully raised over $5 million for our capital project and organizational budget. Additionally, we launched Spark at Booth-Kelly, welcomed the first cohorts of our Manufacturing and Health Excelerators, expanded our network of partners to 546, and increased our donor base by 76 individuals. We have made strides in growing and diversifying our staff while addressing our youth’s needs. Our youth wages reached an all-time high of nearly $750,000. We connected with our first group of alumni and conducted insightful interviews. Be sure to read their inspiring stories in the full report!
Programs By the Numbers
The Elevate program soared to new heights this past year, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of young people in our community. Elevate creates opportunities for youth to thrive in the working world. We curate career exploration events, work-based learning opportunities, workshops and training, industry tours, and more, including career expos, job shadows, internships, and externships.
This year, our Navigate program reached new heights, providing crucial support to 223 youth. Navigate is a guiding light for youth facing significant barriers, providing essential support to help them find a path forward toward education, employment, housing stability, and success. Our team of dedicated Resource Navigators goes above and beyond to re-engage youth in education and workforce pathways.
Through our Spark program, we inspire the next generation of innovators by creating exciting and safe spaces where youth can explore technologies, dive into STEM education, and cultivate essential teamwork and leadership skills. With Invention Lab, Invention Club, The Agency, and spaces including Spark on 7th and Spark at Booth-Kelly, we set the stage for curiosity and creativity to thrive.
Learn About Our Amazing Youth
Amelia, a Navigate youth, entered the Manufacturing Tech Excelerator ready to explore every opportunity to learn new skills. Besides quickly learning measurement techniques, computer-aided design, and machine operation, Amelia was able to apply these skills to challenges like the accurate replication of pieces using different materials. Amelia designed and used the CNC router to make an electric guitar body as a final self-guided project. As part of the Manufacturing Technology Excelerator, Amelia completed a 120-hour internship with Gheen Irrigation, where she excelled!
Download the full 2022-2023 annual report today to read more amazing youth stories!
