Career Connections is a 3-year career development program for Portland residents (ages 18-24) who are interested in exploring professional careers and/or college.

Begin by applying for their challenging five week training program where you will:

•Have opportunities to increase confidence, motivation, and hope
•Network with local professionals and explore career options
•Learn résumé writing and interview skills that will get your noticed
•Identify your strengths, skills, and passions
Next, after the training, you can:

•Gain access to exclusive internships with their professional partners and three years of career and college coaching!

Program Features:

•Training – Start with their 5-week training held downtown at partner company locations focusing on professional work culture, career planning and networking opportunities. Their partners hold tours of their locations and facilitate workshops on a wide range of topics such as competitive interviewing strategies, self marketing techniques, and managing personal finances.

•Job/Internship Connections – They partner with diverse organizations that offer internship and work experiences for their training graduates. Click on the partners link to see a full list of their supporting organizations.

•Career Advising – Each participant has a Career Advisor who acts as a mentor, advocate and career coach. Career Advisors help advisees refine their goals, set up action plans, and make connections to the professional world.

•Long-Term Support – Open Meadow makes a three-year commitment to the career development of each participant, so programming goes far beyond initial job placements. Career Advisiors help participants plan for long-term financial stability, post-secondary education, and advancement in their chosen career field beyond entry-level employment.

•Support Services – Career Services can provide internship stipends, transportation support, professional clothing and other supportive services for youth who are actively engaged in programming and have a demonstrated need.

Industry Tracks:

Career Connections partners offer job and internship opportunities in specific industry areas for training graduates. Individuals interested in entry-level business, banking, healthcare, or public service/city government opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. But, interest in one of these career fields is NOT required for program admission. Here is a description of the different pathways people take after finishing their 5-week training:

•Entry-Level Business – Interested in working in a professional office to get started in the business world? Their graduates have been hired for every kind of office job from mail distributors to receptionists, administrative assistants, and office managers.

•Healthcare – Want to pursue a career helping others, with great advancement opportunities and a high level of job security? Whether you are interested in nursing, phlebotomy, or dental assisting- they can help you get started and create a plan!

•Banking/Financial Services – If you have some previous cash handling and customer service experience, they could connect you with one of their banking industry partners.

•Public Service/Government – They have strong partnerships with Metro, Multnomah County, and the City of Portland. The opportunities are nearly endless and allow you the opportunity to get involved in your community and find professional stability.

•Post-Secondary Education/Training – Are you interested in going to college, but you’re not sure how to make it happen? They will help you navigate the world of post-secondary education whether you want to do a short term occupational training or pursue your bachelors degree.

•Independent/Other – Do you want to be a mechanic, flight attendant, graphic designer, or something else that doesn’t fit into any of the options listed above? They will help you find an entry-level connection to your chosen field. Their training’s focus on professionalism and planning is universally important.

Application Information:

•Summer Training: August 16th – September 17th
**Enrollment/training happens 4-5 times per year, so we are always recruiting and enrolling students

Eligibility Requirements – To qualify, you must:

•Meet their income qualifications (they will help you figure this out)
•Be able to pass a drug screening when applying for an internship or job with one of their partner companies
•Reside in the city of Portland
•Be between 18-24
•Have a diploma or GED by the beginning of training

To Apply:

•Contact Lee Ann Lawrence to let her know you are interested and to schedule an orientation. Lee Ann can be reached at 503-488-5181 or leeann@openmeadow.org

If you are interested in long-term support, but are unsure whether you will be able to meet the scheduling demands of the training, please feel free to call and set up an appointment. Accommodations can be made for the right candidate.

This program is funded through The City of Portland’s Bureau of Housing and Community Development Economic Opportunity Initiative and through funds from Multnomah County.

Open Meadow Alternative Schools engages students and partners of any race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national and ethnic origin, political affiliation, or disability. It does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of any activities.