Lents Youth Initiative engages up to 40 teens every year. Through the program, teens receive 45+ hours of leadership training, environmental justice training, and career development through the Youth Empowerment Series in the spring.
In the summer, up to 30 interns are hired to lead projects and collectively contribute thousands of hours to projects that benefit the neighborhood. Past participants have completed internships at Zenger Farms, Friends of Trees, Portland State University Learning Gardens Lab, Portland Parks & Recreation, Leach Botanical Garden, Johnson Creek Watershed Council, Forth Mobility, Lents Farmer’s Market, Green Lents, and ROSE Community Development.
For specific questions or more information about Lents Youth Initiative, you can contact Kelly@rosecdc.org or Candice@rosecdc.org
In 2021, LYI was generously funded by: Gray Family Foundation, the Oregon Community Foundation’s Ned and Sis Hayes Fund, Collins Foundation, Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF), Concordia Foundation and Donations from people like you.
“During my internship I learned how to effectively lead large groups of kids by becoming a good role model for them and taking initiative. My LYI experience has helped me gain confidence and improve my communication skills. I am not as shy as before and learned to work well with others.”
– Teresa, Lents Youth Initiative intern with Zenger Farm