Operating since 1998, the Ronald Killough Education Center is one of the largest providers of education opportunities for homeless youth in Multnomah County. Open five days per week year-round, the accredited school is also co-located with our job-training program, Drop-In Day Services Center, and case management, counseling, and other program offerings, providing access for youth to additional wraparound supports and resources as they re-engage with education and work toward self-sufficiency.

While Portland Public Schools (PPS) has been a longtime funder of our Education Center, New Avenues has made the decision to move away from public funding for this program. Because of the unique barriers to education our students face, we are adapting our program model to more suitably and effectively respond to their particular needs, and we believe flexible private funding of our Education Center will allow us to be more innovative in our approach and empower more youth to succeed.

Our Education Center will continue to offer high-school credit recovery, and we’re increasing our focus on supporting preparation for and enrollment in post-secondary education. GED attainment will also continue to be a significant focus of our program; our approach will now include using a 6-week cohort model with the goal of youth being more deeply engaged in their learning and earn their GED’s at a faster rate. And in September we will become an official GED testing site which,  co-located with our other programs, will mean increased access for the youth we serve.

“New Avenues is committed to creating environments where all young people can learn and thrive, and the traditional public school model isn’t always set up to meet the individual needs some youth may have.  We’re excited to provide innovative, alternative approaches through our Education Center that unlock the potential we know all youth have to succeed in school.” – Sean Suib, Executive Director

If you’re interested in supporting the Ronald Killough Education Center or would like to volunteer as a tutor, please contact us at info@newavenues.org.