New Avenues for Youth
New Avenues for Youth Education Center is an alternative school serving the homeless youth, ages 12-25 (PPS provides funding for students up to the age of 20), in the downtown Portland area. The focus is creating positive educational experiences for homeless youth. Students learn to see themselves as successful learners through positive interactions with masters-level, licensed teachers and a professional volunteer staff.
The student-centered classroom empowers youth through personalized and cooperative learning. The teaching team uses inquiry based instructional approaches to develop social skills, decision-making and critical thinking skills. Students gain insight into their personal learning styles and determine their own areas of strength. A low student-teacher ratio benefits each student in this tutorial learning environment. This environment enables students to work on independent educational goals and plans where follow-through on outcome orientated assignments is paramount.
This unique program enables students to return to the school district, complete the General Educational Development (GED) tests, receive high school credit, prepare for employment opportunities, participate in service learning projects, develop interests and receive college assistance. In addition, students in need of ESL classes may access language classes throughout the week and additional counseling assistance specific to their needs. Assisting students in service learning, the educational center offers a myriad of community-based educational opportunities by forming partnerships with various community organizations. Service learning empowers our youth by giving them an opportunity to assist others in their community. The unique programs and services available at New Avenues for Youth addressing the challenges and adversity facing homeless students include:
- Day Services
- Case Management
- Drug and Alcohol Counseling
- Mental Health Counseling
- Transitional Housing
- Pregnant and Parenting Education and Support
- One-on-one mentoring
- Job Training
- Service Learning Opportunities
- ELL Services
- One-on-one Tutoring
New Avenues employs six full time, masters-level case managers to serve student needs. Case managers help youth with support services including shelter, transportation, medical services, mental health services, alcohol and drug services, identification and a plan for stable housing. In addition, youth may also access basic needs such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies through the day services center. A transitional housing program run by New Avenues provides 24 bed spaces for students to stay up to two years as they transition from street life. Over the course of last fiscal year (July 2008-June 2009) New Avenues served over 850 youth in these various services. New Avenues offers students a place where they can feel safe, continue their education, and receive the individualized attention they need to overcome the variety of obstacles in their lives.
