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