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Why we are here

Portland is an increasingly diverse community.

In Oregon, with the fourth worst graduation rate in the nation and a national ranking of 40th out of fifty states for having the largest achievement gaps, innovation is needed. We cannot as a community continue to have over 50% of Black, Hispanic and Native American students dropping out of high school. The achievement and opportunity gap for kids of color and children in poverty matters; especially to a city that is becoming increasingly diverse. Currently, 44% percent of Kindergartners in PPS are students of color and it is estimated by 2020 it will be majority minority. Consider the following according to the 2009 census:

  • The population of Multnomah County has grown .7% over the past year continuing a trajectory of growth over the last decade
  • The population of every race, except Caucasians, has grown since 2000
  • 121,000 youth (people under the age of 18) reside in the City of Portland
  • 20,246 live in poverty
  • 11,081 Speak English as a second language

The achievement and opportunity gaps for this increasingly diverse community is not the Portland that makes us proud. We can do better. That is why Kairos exists and why we believe others are supporting us in these efforts.

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