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 (Parkrose Middle School and High Desert Middle School).
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
- Frederick Douglass
Stories about Giving Forward in Education
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."
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."
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."
Dr. S. Renee Mitchell
She’s giving forward by creating programming for Black youth that empowers, engages, and promotes healing from trauma.
“The SAGE Legacy fellowship is an opportunity to be in community with heart-centered people who are trying to do their part to do good in the word. Together with this supportive community, you will be designing a community benefit project that is grounded in your values, leadership, and sense of purpose.”
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?"
Sandy Ramirez
She’s giving forward by supporting kids and families through mental health challenges and in crisis through the American Red Cross and other organizations.
"SAGE asked me to do a presentation on how to ‘unplug’ kids and I was happy to do it. I did some presentations on that topic at several schools. I’m big on volunteerism in general.”
Nonprofit Education Partners
