OUR PROGRAMS

Elementary School

Student success begins through deeply-integrated partnerships with schools. In elementary school, Elevate partners with SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Community Schools to deliver comprehensive services including educational enrichment, recreational, social and health services.

Middle School

In middle school Elevate students begin developing habits to build success. A strong focus on socio-emotional skills and positive peer groups gives students a safe place to learn and grow. We empower students with a strong foundation for entering high school.

High School and Middle School

In both middle and high school, Elevate provides an elective class, a home base where kids connect with peers and engage in a curriculum of skill-building and future-mindedness. Our dedicated Teacher/Mentors are on campuses all day, every day. They greet kids in the morning, check in during lunch, and connect in hallways—offering a consistent presence that builds trust and reliability.

We currently partner with school districts in Oregon and Washington, including Parkrose, David Douglas, Reynolds, and Vancouver. These districts are rich in talent, culture, and community strength.

Our program interventions begin in 3rd grade and continue through high school graduation. Kids develop trust over time and from long-term support. We partner with schools that serve diverse youth who have deep capacity to thrive beyond economic and systemic barriers—and with districts that seek Elevate’s collaborative approach to student success.

Once Elevate Youth is available at a school, kids join by referral—from a teacher, counselor, friend, or even by referring themselves.

School leaders and classroom teachers value Elevate Youth as a culturally-responsive, relationship-driven program led by B.I.P.O.C. Teacher/Mentors who reflect the identities and lived experiences of the kids they serve.

It’s such an asset to have Elevate Teacher/Mentors in our classrooms. Their service is invaluable. Teachers feel supported, students are appropriately guided, and the educational results of improved grades and increased attendance are vital!

- Teacher, David Douglas School District

We empower kids to set and achieve their own goals. Central to our approach are the 13 Character Qualities we teach across all programs, supported by an age-appropriate curriculum aligned with school district goals. Youth build real-life skills through experiential learning, group activities, and meaningful discussions that bring these qualities to life.

- Kesha Roper, Elevate Youth Chief of Staff

13 Character Qualities and Life Skills

In addition to core subject help, Teacher-Mentors guide students through a curriculum rooted in 13 Character Qualities. Developed by an esteemed educator and aligned with district benchmarks, grade-specific lessons integrate meaningful values. These are a cornerstone of Elevate’s classroom teaching and learning. We ensure our kids grow both academically and personally, while they thoughtfully reflect on who they are and who they want to become. These include:

Vision
Courage
Respect
Caring
Responsibility
Positive Work Ethic
Integrity
Career-Mindedness
Communication
Leadership
Problem-Solving
Decision-Making
Goal-Setting

My Teacher/Mentor helps me see me, and the value of me, and value of the future me.

Elevate Youth Middle School Student

A Closer Look At Our Programs

Through in-school electives and supportive relationships, we empower students to set and achieve goals. Afterschool programs provide homework help, enrichment trips, and skill-building—blending academic growth with fun and fulfillment.

No matter the season or school day, kids have a place where they belong. Elevate offers year-round programs that fuel education goals, expand life opportunities, and build futures. These include spring and summer camps, career days, college tours, field trips, community service projects, and sporting events. We believe that the more kids experience the world around them, the bigger and brighter their own worlds become.

We extend support beyond students to include families because when families thrive, kids do too. We involve immediate and extended family members through events that create connection, celebration, and care. From Black family socials, to free back-to-school supplies and clothing, families feel supported and informed. We also help families stay up to date on their child’s progress and offer emotional support when needed.

Ninth Grade Counts

This transitional summer-support program is for incoming 9th graders. It helps students elevate grades with confidence during a vulnerable precipice. They get ready for high school with STEAM programming, fun outings, career development, and skill-building activities.

Dream Reachers/Boys2Men

Dream Reachers focuses on empowering girls, while Boys2Men supports boys. Both programs help youth strengthen self-worth and develop leadership skills. Teacher/Mentors coordinate volunteers to provide tutoring in math, science, history, and English. Students also gain career exposure through workshops, volunteering, field trips, guest speakers, and college tours—transforming classroom learning into real-world experience.

Little Lift

An example of integrated learning is our Little Lift afterschool program. This pairs Elevate high school leaders with elementary school kids for peer-to-peer mentoring. These sessions include activities to inspire the 13 Character Qualities.

5th to 6th Transition

This summer-specific program helps kids transition from elementary to middle school. Students connect with their new Teacher/Mentors, keep learning skills sharp and have fun while developing life skills through outdoor activities.

Community Events

Elevate Youth actively engages with broader communities of the schools we serve. These include social events where our kids, their families, and the community at large are welcomed to make connections.