Education

Education is the great equalizer. A good education provides the skills needed to get a job with a steady income, and tools that are essential to being a critical thinker and good citizen.

Older adults contribute in many ways to build a brighter future in education. For example, the people involved in SAGE volunteer in schools and after-school programs, serve on boards of educational institutions and raise money for education, and work with education nonprofits like our partners. Many have also helped to pass legislation that strengthens schools.

All it takes to change a child’s life is one committed adult. How can you engage?

For more examples and inspiration, see our stories below. Many great education nonprofits are based here in Portland, Oregon, but many of our partners have a national reach as well.

Consider investing your time and talent with our nonprofit educational partners listed below. We also encourage you to learn more about SAGE's teams that focus on education: Citizen Project, Climate Education and Mentoring.

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

- Frederick Douglass

Stories about Giving Forward in Education

Jeanne Magmer

Meet Jeanne Magmer. She's giving forward by helping students with scholarships, grants, and backpacks to get the right start for school.

"I wanted to make a difference for kids by leaving my corner of the world a little bit better for the next generation. Investing in our kids is what really counts."

Meet Jeanne

Mohammad Rahman

Meet Mohammad Rahman. He's giving forward by investing in children's education around the world.

"Elders have an opportunity to leverage their own gifts from life in order to open doors and create opportunities for children."

Meet Mohammad

Bruce Watts

Meet Bruce Watts. He's giving forward by teaching young adults accountability, respect, and integrity.

"Establishing trust with a mentee takes time, but the payoff is worth the investment."

Meet Bruce

Steve Griffith

Meet Steve Griffith. He's giving forward by investing in young leaders and their education.

"We expect young people to listen to us and take our suggestions. Why should we not, in turn, listen to them about how they view the world?"

Meet Steve

Nonprofit Education Partners

Classroom Law Project

Classroom Law Project brings vital and engaging civics and law-related education programs into Oregon schools, teaching students at all grade levels the values and skills essential to participating in and strengthening democracy. There are many opportunities for members of the legal, judicial, and business community to volunteer to prepare youth to become active, engaged, and informed participants in their communities.

Email: office@classroomlaw.org or call (503) 224-4424. For opportunities in Central Oregon, email Amy Sabbadini, asabbadini@classroomlaw.org.

Kairos PDX

KairosPDX is a non-profit organization fighting to change the narrative for historically-underserved children in North Portland through innovative education, family partnership, and advocacy with the hope of eliminating the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps. Join us as an Ambassador by volunteering in the garden, serving on a committee, or for a one-time service opportunity. Call 503-567-9820 or email volunteer@kairospdx.org.

Minds Matter Portland

Minds Matter Portland is an academic mentoring and tutoring program. We connect driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. You can mentor an underprivileged high school student to gain acceptance to a four-year university and navigate the financial aid process. Email info@mindsmatterportland.org.

Financial Beginnings Oregon

Financial Beginnings Oregon empowers youth and adults to take control of their financial futures by providing free personal finance flasses to Oregonians of all ages. We are volunteer powered - our dedicated volunteers bring our programs to life in the classroom. Call 800-406-1876 or email or-info@finbegor.org.

KIDS Center

KIDS Center is dedicated to the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of child abuse. Volunteers help the organization provide critical services to an ever-growing number of children and families affected by child abuse in Central Oregon. There are many different volunteer opportunities, from helping out at the front desk to supporting an event. Call 541-383-5958 or email info@kidscenter.org.

SMART Reading

SMART Reading volunteers read with students weekly during the school year, modeling a love of reading and building children's reading skills and self-confidence in a positive, child-guided environment. Call 971-634-1634 or email SMART@smartreading.org.

Healthy Democracy

Healthy Democracy is a US-based nonpartisan nonprofit that designs and coordinates innovative deliberative democracy programs. We believe in elevating the voices of everyday people in public decision making through democratic lotteries. Email: info@healthydemocracy.org.

Metropolitan Family Service

Metropolitan Family Service AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an intergenerational tutoring program that matches volunteers age 50+ with young students in Portland area schools who need help to become great readers and to develop skills and self-confidence. Tutors receive comprehensive training to become actively engaged in their schools, working one-on-one with K-3rd grade students. Call 503-290-9427 or email volunteer@mfs.email.

Nami Central Oregon

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Central Oregon offers volunteer opportunities and free support groups for people experiencing mental health challenges and their families. Visit namicentraloregon.org or call (541) 316-0167 to learn more.