WEST SIDE CONNECT

Programs

1. In its first year, W.E.S.T. Side Connect launched the EmpowerED Mirror Project, a strategic initiative to recruit and support Black and Pacific Islander future educators in Washington County. In Year One, we successfully recruited seven future teachers, laying the foundation for a long-term solution to Oregon's critical educator diversity gap. Oregon currently faces a shortage of 10,000 educators of color, leaving students without the representation and cultural connection needed for equitable education. The EmpowerED Mirror Project works to close this gap by mentoring, guiding, and advocating for future educators as they navigate college enrollment, scholarships, and systemic barriers. This year, we focused on recruitment and foundational support, ensuring each participant is on a clear path to becoming an educator. In future years, we will expand to strengthen advocacy, increase placements, and build sustainable pathways for educators of color in Oregon.

   $3,500 spentof which $3,500 as grants
   82% of program spending

2. In Year One, W.E.S.T. Side Connect provided direct advocacy support to six families in Beaverton, OR, ensuring parents understood their rights and had a voice in their children's education. Most of the students supported were middle schoolers navigating academic challenges. Our advocacy included: Guiding parents through their rights in the education system. Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and disciplinary hearings. Assisting families in filing formal complaints with the Oregon Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education when necessary. By providing culturally specific advocacy, we empowered families to navigate complex school systems and secure the educational supports their children need to succeed.

   $750 spentof which $750 as grants
   18% of program spending

The 2 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990-EZ. Program spending in total: $4,250.