The Education Resource Fair educates Hacienda residents on opportunities around Portland

On Wednesday, November 30, over 50 Hacienda residents attended the Hacienda Education Resource Fair to learn about the diverse array of education opportunities available in Portland. Seventeen different partners gathered at the Baltazar Ortiz Community Center, including St. Andrews Nativity School, De La Salle North Catholic High School, Portland Youth Builders, Portland State University, Portland Community College, Concordia University, Albina Headstart and Portland Public Schools (PPS) Headstart Programs.

The PPS Office of Family Engagement brought boxes of apples for an interactive math activity and talked to families about how to supplement their child's education at home. Albina Headstart was able to register families for their program on the spot. Middle school students from Hacienda’s Expresiones After School Program connected with counselors from Madison High School and De La Salle North Catholic High School as they started to think about their next steps.

“This is a great start,” said a parent tabling for St. Andrews. “I got about ten interested families signed up. St. Andrews is such a wonderful opportunity. Once [the students] join, they are really supported to become whatever their dream is…keep spreading the word to your families!”

It was a lively evening with positive interactions among all the organizations and families present. The night wrapped up with a group of high-school-aged Latino rock musicians called “Metal Asylum” playing a raucous few songs on guitar and drums for the surprised and appreciative crowd of students and parents.