Vancouver nonprofit iUrban Teen awarded more than $800,000 to boost manufacturing career paths for youth

iUrban Teen received more than $800,000 in funding to introduce more youth in Southwest Washington and Oregon to manufacturing careers.

The Vancouver-based nonprofit supports local youth of color through science, technology, engineering, arts and math education. The Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready grant awarded iUrban Teen $847,208.

The grant initiative, funded in 2022 by the Oregon Legislature, is part of a $200 million investment in education and training to advance the workforce and increase opportunities for black workers.

“Information is powerful, and that’s the whole basis of iUrban Teen in the first place,” said iUrban Teen President Deena Pierott. “Oftentimes, black and brown families and community members are on the receiving end of information. I want to make sure I’m at the top and show them I belong here.”

iUrban Teen will use a portion of the grant to take middle and high school students to career summits at Clackamas Community College and tours of Oregon manufacturing companies.

The nonprofit will use the remainder to support adults by providing training for manufacturing careers, including roles in the semiconductor industry. In addition, iUrban Teen will provide financial management guidance, career coaching and access to internship opportunities.

Youth and adults can begin participating in these opportunities starting in January, Pierott said. iUrban Teen will also partner with other organizations such as NAACP Vancouver and the Urban League of Portland to spread the word about these opportunities.

“This funding will allow iUrban Teen to expand career paths in manufacturing, directly benefiting underserved teens in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” said Vera Anderson, director of communications and marketing. “This grant underscores the critical need for equitable access to career and education opportunities in key industries.”

iUrban Teen serves approximately 2,800 students in the Portland-Vancouver area. The nonprofit is partnering with Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools to introduce Clark County students to its programs, which include mechatronics technology, sports management, robotics and more.

Latino and black workers are underrepresented in STEM fields, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. Latino workers make up 14% of STEM workers, while black workers make up just 9%.

iUrban Teen hopes to bridge this gap by raising awareness of STEM careers, such as mechatronics, and providing mentorship and internship opportunities for underrepresented youth.

“More than ever, it’s going to be more important to work with these manufacturing companies and make sure they’re fair,” Pierott said. “They have the future workforce right in front of them with iUrban Teen.”