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Our Story
Founded in 2014 as the regional achievement collaborative within Lane Education Service District, Connected Lane County was designed to support youth in graduating from high school and preparing for meaningful careers.
Today, as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit with multiple youth spaces, we partner with educators, employers, and community organizations to provide holistic support to over 2,000 young people annually.
Our model addresses academic, career, and basic needs barriers to high school completion by offering academic support, mentorship, postsecondary planning, and paid career-connected learning. Research shows these experiences increase student engagement and graduation rates. Among Connected Lane County program alumni who responded to a 2026 survey, 96% report having earned a diploma or equivalent (or remaining on track to graduate), compared to a local graduation rate of approximately 80%.
How We Engage Youth
We offer multiple pathways for young people to engage with Connected Lane County through programs and experiences designed for different ages, skill levels, and interests. Across both programs and experiences, youth can engage in multiple ways throughout the year based on their interests, availability, and goals.
Programs
Our programs provide sustained, skill-building opportunities where youth engage over time, develop professional and technical skills, and strengthen career readiness through ongoing mentorship and hands-on learning. These include Summer Internships, Excelerators, Invention Club, The Agency, and other multi-week learning opportunities.
Experiences
We also offer events and short-cycle experiences that expose youth to careers, industries, and opportunities in accessible, high-impact formats. These opportunities are designed to spark curiosity, broaden awareness, and help youth explore possible pathways. Examples include Job Shadows, Career Expo, Hiring Fair, codeORcreate, HealthBeat, and Industry Tours.
Across programs and experiences, youth can engage in multiple ways throughout the year based on their interests, availability, and goals.
Our Approach
What makes Connected Lane County different is how we bring together career-connected learning, supportive relationships, and practical resources to help young people succeed.
Integrated Support
We combine career exploration, technical training, life skills development, paid opportunities, and barrier-reduction supports such as transportation, meals, and resource navigation. By addressing both learning and basic needs, we help young people fully participate and thrive.
Representation and Belonging
Our programs are led by educators, mentors, and staff who reflect many of the identities and lived experiences of the youth we serve. We foster environments where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered by embracing diverse perspectives, learning styles, cultures, and experiences.
Strong Industry Partnerships
For more than a decade, we have built meaningful partnerships with employers across diverse industries. Our youth employment model helps cover wages and insurance costs, reducing barriers for employers and creating more opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience in real workplaces.
Paid Learning Opportunities
We believe young people should not have to choose between earning income and building their future. Many of our programs provide wages or stipends, making career-connected learning more accessible to youth from all backgrounds while recognizing the value of their time and contributions.
Explore Our Impact
Every year, we see hundreds of young people grow, learn, and thrive through our programs and experiences. Whether it’s a first drop-in visit or completing a multi-week internship, each step matters.
Looking Ahead & Where We're Going
As community needs continue to evolve, so does our vision for supporting young people. We are building toward a future where every youth has access to meaningful opportunities, trusted support, and clear pathways to success.
Year-Round Opportunities
Expand access to internships and paid work experiences throughout the year.
Deeper Engagement
Launch a longer-term pathway that supports sustained engagement and growth.
Rural Expansion
Increase access to programs and opportunities in rural communities.
School Partnerships
Strengthen in-school support for career exploration and education navigation.
Youth HUB
Expand drop-in services in Eugene in partnership with community partners.
Youth Leadership
Create more opportunities for youth to shape programs and systems.
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