Education

When the final school bell rang in June, it marked the official start of summer. But for many families, it also signaled a cyclical challenge: how to replace the free or reduced-price meals their children rely on during the school year.  

Summer food programs are stepping up to help. From Portland Parks & Recreation to local nonprofits and school districts, dozens of organizations are working together to ensure no child in our region goes hungry just because school is out. These programs are helping kids stay nourished, healthy, and ready for summer fun.  

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, our mission is deeply intertwined with fostering strong starts for young learners. Through our early learning initiative, Early Learning Multnomah County, we have the privilege of connecting with remarkable educators across the county. Pioneer Preschool, a play-based Montessori program truly embodies Early Learning Multnomah County’s nurturing mission.

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) buzzed with excitement as families from across Multnomah County gathered for a third year of learning about preschool options. Hosted by Early Learning Multnomah, a program of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, this event provided families with children under five a day of interactive learning and invaluable information on accessible preschool options.

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we believe in the power of community-driven initiatives that create lasting change. That’s why we are thrilled to support Boyz 2 Men Mentoring through our Community Reinvestment Account (CRP) in Clark County. This organization is making an incredible impact on the lives of young boys by providing consistent, meaningful mentorship and life skills education.

A Mission Rooted in Experience

On Saturday, Dec. 14th, families across Washington County gathered at Lincoln Street Elementary in Hillsboro for a day filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on exploration. The event, aptly named STEAM Kids Wonderland, provided an opportunity for children ages 3-5, as well as older children with developmental delays and younger siblings, to dive into the exciting realms of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

Portland, Oregon: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to ensure that every child under five years of age in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties now has access to free books. This transformative partnership delivers age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes every month, removing barriers to access, increasing literacy rates, and fostering family engagement through the joy of reading.

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we’re committed to ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to succeed. A key part of that mission is supporting early childhood educators, who play a critical role in shaping the futures of young learners. Recently, our Early Learning Washington County (ELWC) HUB took an exciting step forward by hosting its first-ever Coding & Robotics Training designed specifically for Spanish-speaking preschool educators.

This year marks a special milestone—ten incredible years of the Parent Accountability Council (PAC) at Early Learning Multnomah (ELM) County. Over the past decade, the PAC has been a driving force in shaping early childhood education, fueled by passionate parent leaders, dedicated staff, and a shared commitment to providing access to high-quality education for all children.

Summer break is upon us, but learning doesn't have to take a vacation! Our Early Learning Multnomah team is committed to supporting this community's youngest learners throughout the year. This year, they've created culturally and linguistically specific "Transition to Summer" kits for 700 Preschool Promise students.

Washington County recently hosted a pivotal event that sought to unite voices from diverse sectors to confront a new, pressing challenge: childcare in the wake of industry growth due to the CHIPS Act.