iUrban Teen received more than $800,000 in funding to introduce more youth across Oregon to careers in the manufacturing field.
The Vancouver nonprofit supports local youth of color through education in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grant awarded iUrban Teen $847,208.
The grant initiative, funded in 2022 by the Oregon Legislature, is part of a $200 million investment in education and training to advance the workforce and increase opportunities for workers of color.
“Information is powerful and that is the whole basis of iUrban Teen in the first place,” iUrban Teen President Deena Pierott said. “A lot of times, Black and brown families and community members are on the last wave of information. I want to make sure they’re at the forefront and to show them that they do belong here.”
iUrban Teen will use a portion of the grant to take middle- and high school-age students to career summits at Clackamas Community College and on tours of manufacturing companies in Oregon.
The nonprofit will use the remaining portion to support adults by offering training for careers in manufacturing, including roles in the semiconductor industry. In addition, iUrban Teen will provide financial management guidance, career coaching and access to internship opportunities.
Youth and adults can begin participating in these opportunities starting in January, Pierott said. iUrban Teen will also work with other organizations, such as NAACP Vancouver and Urban League of Portland, to spread the word about these opportunities.
“This funding will enable iUrban Teen to expand career pathways in manufacturing directly benefiting underserved teens across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” said Vera Anderson, director of communications and marketing. “This grant underscores the critical need for equitable access to career and educational opportunities in key industries.”
iUrban Teen serves about 2,800 students across the Portland-Vancouver area. The nonprofit partners with Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools to introduce students across Clark County to its programs, which include mechatronics technology, sports management, robotics and more.
Latino and Black workers are underrepresented in the STEM field, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. Latino workers represent 14 percent of STEM workers, while Black workers represent only 9 percent.
iUrban Teen hopes to bridge that gap by increasing awareness about STEM careers like mechatronics, and providing mentoring and internship opportunities for underrepresented youth.
“More so than ever, it’s going to be more important to work with these manufacturing companies and ensure that they’re being equitable,” Pierott said. “They have the future workforce right in front of them with iUrban Teen.”
