Unitus is responding to an urgent need in low-income communities in trademark fashion: by educating people to become financially independent through their new partnership with Impact NW.
To help build long-term financial independence in these communities. Unitus is providing financial literacy training to high schoolers around Portland Metro, especially those unlikely to attend college. They’re doing it with the help of Impact NW, a nonprofit that works with Portland Public Schools and Industry Leaders to provide resources for high schoolers to build careers, balance budgets, and rise up in life.
“Unitus is committed to giving every effort toward enabling our members to become financially self-sufficient and successful,” said Lori Williams, the Unitus Business Development Officer who developed the relationship with Impact NW. “We work with our members every day to help them reach their financial goals and achieve their dreams. With a program like this, everyone wins: the students, our community, the Portland Metro economy, and even beyond that.”
Six high schools in Portland currently participate in the program, including Franklin High School, Centennial High School, Rosemary Anderson High School, Reynolds Learning Academy, Fir Ridge High School and David Douglas High School.
Students receive extra credit for completing these financial courses and can take them before or after school. Williams has already hosted four financial training courses for students. “These courses, combined with vocational training that Impact NW provides, fill a huge need for these young people,” added Williams. “What on honor to partner with an organization so committed to helping these often overlooked kids succeed.”