Our Story

We're Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges

Connected Lane County was established in 2014 as Lane County’s regional achievement collaborative by early childhood partners, local school districts, institutions of higher education, the local workforce board, and industry innovators. Today, we are an independent nonprofit serving over 3,000 youth each year.

Connected Lane County History

Our Impact

During the 2023-2024 program year, our organization served youth throughout Lane County through its various programs and offerings. With the help of our dedicated staff, partners, and the community, we launched new initiatives and programs, formed new connections, and built on existing programs!

Browse our Annual Reports and Impact Analysis.

Youth Served
Youth Hours Spent in Programming
Wages Paid to Youth & Mentors
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Words from Our Community

“I was like, okay, what I’m doing is helpful. I mean, you’re guiding these kids to their future, and so many of them, especially being down here, don’t even have a clear path of what they want to do. Those tours give me an opportunity to give them insight into things they might want to do for their life.”

Angela Dennis
Creswell School District

“The greatest thing ever. Efficiency- and action-based. We say we are going to do something and it happens. Once the group agrees on the actions, they do it. They do a great job setting expectations. It’s not just an idea floating in the area. You want to tell the industry to participate because you can see measurable outcomes.”

Ashley Espinoza
Lane Workforce Partnership

“I feel more successful and more directed. I had this idea that one day the carpet was going to get pulled and I’d be in the real world. Like I think part of the tour is like easing you into it and then part of the classes has really helped give me a staircase out into the real world instead of just a steep wall.”

Skylar
Willamette High School

Connected Lane County helps extend CTE initiatives outside of public schools

February 14, 2025

Connected Lane County provides CTE initiatives outside of public schools at its locations, Spark at Booth-Kelly in Springfield and Spark on 7th in Eugene. 3D printers, sowing machines, and laser engravers are just some of the tools used to provide hands-on learning opportunities. To learn more and hear directly from our program staff, check out…

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Connected Lane County recieves 15K for economic growth initatives

February 14, 2025

Connected Lane County received $15,250 as part of a grant from Lane County’s Community & Economic Development Program. These funds will help fuel our industry tours. We partner with rural and metropolitan Lane County schools, educators, and businesses to offer 700 high school students opportunities to explore careers in technology, manufacturing, health, and natural resources.…

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Youth particpate in three-day coding and marketing competition called “codeORcreate”

February 13, 2025

In 2024, we merged codeORcreate and marketingJAM into one exciting weekend competition, celebrating all things creative and innovative. This annual three-day event, open to teams of up to five youths, invites Lane County High School students and Lane Community College students to dive into the worlds of coding, website design, graphic design, game development, marketing,…

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Sustainability Meets Workforce Development in This Agency Project

January 31, 2025

When the Eugene Family YMCA moved to its new location, it faced a challenge: what to do with the materials left behind? Instead of sending them to the landfill, the Y embraced sustainability by salvaging thousands of pounds of materials—including old vinyl. Rather than letting those nondegradable banners go to waste, they found a creative…

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Connected Lane County Receives 2.5 Million Dollar Grant to Expand Excelerator Support for Youth with Disabilities

December 11, 2024

Connected Lane County will receive 2.5 million dollars over the next five years to help support youth with disabilities in the Excelerator programs. This grant is being funded by the US Department of Education and is a subcontract from the University of Oregon. Connected Lane County will receive about $500,000 each year for five years,…

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Meet Ryan, our young adult highlight!

November 6, 2024

Ryan found Connected Lane County during a rough time in his life. He was unhoused, couch surfing, and facing various barriers to education and employment. Hosea Youth Services shared Connected Lane County as a resource, and Ryan was able to receive support through our Direct Cash Transfers as Prevention Pilot before joining our other programs.…

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Invention Club expands accross middle schools in Lane County

November 1, 2024

Connected Lane County will expand its Invention Club to middle schools across the County. Invention Club is a STEM-based learning program in collaboration with Oregon MESA that culminates in a MESA showcase. Check it out in the news! Portland State University: Oregon MESA Expands with Two New Regional Centers in Washington County and Lane Countyby…

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KMTR News Coverage: STEM Opportunities in Schools

September 6, 2024

Connected Lane County received $5,000 in grant money from the Pacific Power Foundation to expand Invention Club, a STEM-based learning experience, into Lincoln Middle School in Cottage Grove. To learn more about the story, check out the KMTR news coverage below! “STEM opportunities coming to Cottage Grove School thanks to $5K grant” by Dannie Condon.

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Meet Kira, our August youth highlight!

August 14, 2024

Kira, a Cottage Grove High School graduate, found Connected Lane County during her senior year and has been involved in both Navigate and Elevate programming! Kira has participated in various events, including Wonder Wednesday, Job Fairs, Elevate Job Shadows, Wonder Week, and work experiences.   “I’ve always had great fun at these events. I got to…

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Meet Danica, our July Youth Highlight!

July 17, 2024

Meet Danica (she/they), our July youth highlight! Danica is a recent high school graduate actively participating in Summer Internships, Industry Tours, and DevNW Financial Classes! She learned about Connected Lane County through their career coordinator at Pleasant Hill High School, Kathy Duval, and participated in the 2023 Summer Internships before signing up for additional programming!…

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In the News

Read all the great things being said about our people, our work, and the youth in our programs!