During the formative years of early childhood, the foundations of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily activities. Young children are innately curious and possess an inherent interest in figuring out how things work. With every interaction, children embark on scientific journeys.

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On June 3rd, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Early Learning Washington County hub co-sponsored the 2023 Washington County Early Childhood Mental Health Summit along with Community Action’s Child Care Resource and Referral team.

On Saturday, June 24, Oregonians came together to celebrate the passage of House Bill 3409 and House Bill 3630, setting our state on the direction of historic climate justice legislation. This Climate Resilience Package, which will combat the climate crisis, protect Oregon families from extreme weather, drive down costs and grow a greener economy, was an advocacy goal of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and many community-based organizations.

In a time where parents' voices are vital for shaping educational policies and nurturing thriving learning environments, United Way’s Early Learning Multnomah team has looked towards our Parent Accountability Council (PAC) more than ever.

Portland, Oregon - United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Early Learning Multnomah recently launched

Recently, our Hands On Greater Portland team hosted a wonderful volunteer event at Reynolds Middle School in Fairview, Oregon on May 20th to improve indoor and outdoor spaces there.

On Monday, May 22nd, families filled the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry with laughter, smiles and play alongside our Early Learning Multnomah Preschool Promise team and their preschool program partners: Albina Head Start, Mt Hood Community College Head Start,

Nike's Cushioning Innovation team is not only committed to creating high-performance athletic gear but also to making a difference in their community. Just a day before Earth Day, the team collaborated with the nonprofit organization H.O.P.E. (Honoring our Precious Elders) to help two elderly homeowners maintain their large garden. The volunteers worked hard to build a raised bed, weed existing beds, and level pathways for the elders. With around 20 volunteers on the project, the results were impressive and the impact was heartwarming.

We at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette believe Black History Month is every month (a helpful belief seeing as our All Staff event was canceled last month due to the snow!) Black Americans have had an indelible and beautiful impact on our nation throughout its history, despite the pains and prejudices they have endured. American history is Black history and the impacts Black Americans have had, through their resilience, curiosity, acumen and love, should be celebrated daily.

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Our Early Learning experts took advantage of a somewhat sunny day on March 11th to help put on the Spring Into Learning resource fair organized with MHCC Head Start. The event included over 50 community organizations offering support with preschool and elementary school registration, as well as vocational training, financial education, health and wellness knowledge and much more.

Thanks to your help, the Eviction Reform and Reduction Bill has passed! Now we move on to advocating for the passage of the full slate of bills Stable Homes for Oregon Families is endorsing.

In 2021, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette developed a pooled fund to support efforts of community partners across Oregon in vaccine advocacy, access and education. This fund was focused on providing resources for communities of color, with an initial focus on Latinx working families and the Pacific Islander community. We officially ended this program at the end of last year.