CULTIVATING
CONFIDENT,
CREATIVE,
COMPASSIONATE
LEADERS

KairosPDX is a non-profit organization focused on delivering excellent, equitable education to underserved children, their families and their communities. Our mission is to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating, confident, creative, compassionate, leaders. We do this through an organizational approach that includes our Learning Academy, Community Relations, Government Affairs, and Training Academy.

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This is a blend that will live under the umbrella blend series we've called 'COMMON GOOD.' Each Common Good Blend is designed to tell the story of a Portland based organization doing great work for our city. We couldn't be more excited to work on this project with Kairos PDX.

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Who is KairosPDX

KairosPDX is reshaping the system that has failed our increasingly diverse youth. Our approach to dismantling structural racism includes policy advocacy, professional development services, and hands-on learning through our flagship community school and family engagement programs. In addition to academic performance, we prioritize cultural, social, and emotional growth, preparing our children for compassionate leadership.

Founded by a diverse group of leaders who understand the pivotal role that education plays as a gateway to opportunity, KairosPDX was birthed in 2012. We know that many came before us, and fought for the right for all kids to learn, to receive a quality education in schools that see their brilliance.

We are faced with a reality that there still exists two worlds, split on socioeconomic and racial lines. We are faced with a persistent achievement gap that perpetuates inequity and the denial of opportunity that so many fought and died for.

We believe we can do better, and that we can provide a model that narrows that gap and develops young people who know they can change the world for good.

Our Mission

The mission of KairosPDX is to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating confident, creative, compassionate leaders exceeding academic expectations at each developmental milestone.

Our Vision

Our vision is to engage and empower children and families through a liberating education by which each individual is freed to bring their very best to their own goals and dreams. We are crafting a new narrative around children and families of color placing strength, excellence and achievement at the fore.

Learning
Academy

The KairosPDX Learning Academy is a Preschool-5 community school.

Community
Relations

The Family Engagement Team works to bridge the gap of communication

Government
Affairs

KairosPDX Government Affairs

Training
Academy

KairosPDX Training Academy

Mental Health Program

Mental Health Resources for Families

Upcoming Events

KairosPDX 2024-25 Info Sessions

To learn more about KairosPDX and apply for enrollment, please attend on of our upcoming In-Person Information Sessions.

News & Awards

News

KairosPDX CEO Marsha Williams and Board Chair Tiffani Penson join Hello Rose City to Discuss a Decade of Impact and 10th Annual Spread The Love Gala

A Decade of Impact

Our CEO Marsha Williams and Board Chair Tiffani Penson joined Hello Rose City on Jan. 30, 2023 to discuss our 10th Annual Spread the Love gala event. We hope to see you there and for your support. If you’d like to be involved in any way, please email spreadthelove@kairospdx.org.

KairosPDX Celebrates 10 Years with a Birthday Bash

We had an action-packed day at Oaks Amusement Park for our 10-Year Birthday Bash! As we reach this milestone, we want to thank YOU – our KairosPDX community.

Awards/Recognition

KairosPDX receives “In the City, For the City” Partnership Award from Warner Pacific University on April 14, 2018

KairosPDX Receives the Emily G. Gottfried Human Rights Award for Outstanding Organization on December 7, 2018

KairosPDX Co-Founders, Marsha Williams, Zalika Gardner & Kali Thorne Ladd receive the 2019 Women of Excellence Award for Education from the Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on May 18, 2019

KairosPDX landed on Portland Business Journal’s ‘Most Admired Companies in Oregon’ list within the nonprofit sector for the second year in a row! This year we made the top 10, and will be honored on Thursday, December 5, 2019, check out the full list

KairosPDX received Portland Monthly Magazine 2019 Light a Fire Award in the category of Exceptional Community Contribution. During the Gala, the audience voted for one of the awardees in the seven

Oregon Department of Education Full Civil Rights and Anti-Discrimination Statement

"Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot wait. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow.’ His name is ‘Today.’ “ ~ Gabriela Mistral

Newsletter

CULTIVATING CONFIDENT, CREATIVE, COMPASSIONATE LEADERS