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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2022)
December 21, 2022 Page 7 Learning and Innovation Hubs Designed For All Ages Hacienda CDC opens three free Portland- area learning and innovation centers for youth and adults Adults and youth in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland experienced new and vital con- nections to cutting-edge technol- ogy, STEM education, and career development opportunities with three community-driven learning centers opening. The new centers were created by Verizon in partnership with Hacienda CDC to remove barriers between low-income Portlanders and the tech resources they need to succeed in a digital world. These learning and innovation hubs are designed for all ages, with high- speed internet access, advanced technology, and educational and career programming. Hacienda CDC and Verizon were joined by Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio and guests at the grand opening cele- bration held at the Verizon Com- The ribbon ceremony for the new Hacienda CDC Learning Hubs munity Forward New Columbia Learning Center on the New Co- lumbia campus of Portland Op- portunities Industrialization Cen- ter & Rosemary Anderson High School (POIC & RAHS). "So many families across the nation long for access to the tech- nology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” says Rudy Reyes, West Region Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Verizon. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excit- ed to partner with Hacienda and Portland leaders to enable youth and adults to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future." Hacienda CDC — In partner- ship with Verizon, was selected to support the development of three learning centers in Portland. Open to students, community members and the public, the centers are lo- cated in remodeled spaces at Ha- cienda’s headquarters in Cully, Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus, in addition to the New Columbia campus. “More than 60% of the families Hacienda serves in its affordable housing and programs access the internet only through their smart- phones. That’s a huge barrier when you’re trying to participate in school, fill out a job applica- tion, or manage your business only through your phone,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC. “Latinos, who are a large portion of families served by Ha- cienda, are among the commu- nities who are under-resourced when it comes to technology. They make up only 8% of STEM workers despite being 18.5% of the U.S. population.” Known for developing afford- able housing throughout metro Portland, Hacienda takes a holis- tic approach to building commu- nities that goes beyond housing. The new Verizon Community Forward Learning Centers exem- plify how Hacienda’s programs and pathways remove barriers to education, careers, and wealth building for low-income families Continued on Page 8 MICHAEL HARPER We want to see our community stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please: Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 311 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211 Phone: 503 286 1103 | Fax: 503 286 1146 ernie.hill.h5mb@statefarm.com 24 Hour Good Neighbor Service Black Health Matters North by Northeast Community Health Center is the only clinic in Oregon devoted to African American health. We provide welcoming, high quality health care to adults who have Oregon Health Plan. Since 2006, our priority has been to serve the local African American community and to reduce the deadly effects of high blood pressure and diabetes. We are accepting new patients, and if you’re uninsured, we can help you get covered! To make an appointment or learn about our services, contact us: Protect yourself and others by getting the COVID-19 vaccine (and booster when you are eligible). Call us at (503) 287-4932 to schedule a vaccine appointment. Wear a well-fitting mask over your mouth and nose, ideally a surgical, N95 or KN95 mask. Agent Providing Insurance and Financial Services We are Open! 3901 N. Mississippi Ave. Portland, OR 97227 P: 503.281.0453 Fax 503.281.3408 www.nxneclinic.org (503) 287-4932 Web: www.sunlanlighting.com 714 NE Alberta Street Portland, Oregon 97211 E-mail: kay@sunlanlighting.com
