COLLEGE DREAMS IS NOW PROJECT YOUTH+
College Dreams has come a long way since it was founded in 1998 as a pilot substance abuse prevention program for 33 sixth-grade students with multiple risk factors for school dropout. Based in Grants Pass, Oregon, the nonprofit now offers four distinct academic, workforce development and financial assistance programs to more than 1,300 youth aged 11-24 each year across Josephine, Jackson and Douglas Counties.
Ninety-four percent of its participants live in low-income households. Forty-two percent are students of color. More than two-thirds aspire to be first-generation college graduates.
But not all participants dream of college. Instead, many choose to explore vocational opportunities and launch directly into the workforce. In 2019 alone, the organization’s “Career Build” program connected more than 120 local youth to paid internships with over 100 local businesses.
This year, College Dreams was awarded an additional 5-year, $750,000/year contract from Rogue Workforce Partnership to provide career coaching, paid work experience and occupational skills training for youth with barriers to employment including poverty, homelessness and disabilities.
“Our mission is to increase access to opportunities for youth to thrive in school, careers, and life,” says executive director Kurt Hildebrand. “Whatever path is best for each individual, we’re here to provide the mentorship, direction and financial support to get them there.”
He continued, “Due to the expansion of our services over the past several years, we decided that it was time for a new name—one that reflects the diverse population we serve and all of their dreams.”
August Gannett, an alumnus of the program who is now pursuing an advanced degree in pre-speech pathology, explains, “You can go to Project Youth+ for college advice, career advice, finding a job, needing a financial plan to live… They do all sorts of things besides just college or careers—they take care of people.”
To build the new brand, Hildebrand enlisted Sheepscot Creative, a communications firm that works with mission-driven organizations around the state. Together with his leadership team, they embarked on a six-month re-branding process that leaned heavily on the input of students and community partners.
“It was important to give the people we serve a voice in this process,” says Kim DeSimone, a Project Youth+ program manager. “We take such pride in their achievements. We’re excited to have a new name and brand that everyone can feel a part of.”
Project Youth+ launched on Monday, October 5, 2020. The organization will continue to work with the same population of students through its core services, building pathways to college and careers for underserved youth.
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Based in Grants Pass, Oregon, Project Youth+ prepares low-income, first-generation and under-represented youth to thrive in school, college and careers. Applying resilience development strategies personalized to meet the strengths, preferences, and challenges of each individual, Project Youth+ serves participants aged 11-24 in Josephine, Jackson, and Douglas Counties. Funding to support the work comes from school districts, state and federal contracts, private and corporate grants, and individual and business donors. Founded in 1998 as College Dreams, in 2020 the award-winning nonprofit changed its name to Project Youth+ to more faithfully represent the varied ambitions of its participants, including non-academic paths toward career and personal success.
