About Us
Connected Lane County is a mission-driven organization striving to improve outcomes for underserved youth in Lane County. Perhaps we are best known for our longest-standing program, Elevate, which creates career-connected learning opportunities for youth. But our WIOA program and SparkLab innovation space are both quickly gaining notoriety.
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.
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.
Our Team
We are a team of passionate and motivated individuals that value creative thinking, problem-solving, relationship building, and adaptability.
Our Board
Our board includes local school districts, institutions of higher education, the local workforce board, and industry representatives.
Our Partners
Partners share information, increase cooperation, and aid students in their education transitions by working to identify and address systemic barriers.
Accolades
2018
Tech Association of Oregon, People’s Choice Finalist
2019
OAESD New Ideas in Education Innovation and Talent Nominee
Tech Association of Oregon, People’s Choice Finalist
In the News
Read all the great things being said about our people, our work, and our projects!