Photo by Robert Huff. Used with permission of Connected by 25

Last week, Open Meadow students, staff, and board participated in the launch of an historic citywide effort that builds on Portland’s extraordinary civic energy with a singular commitment: connect every young Portlander to school, work and community by the age of 25.

Connected by 25 brings together more than three dozen leading business and civic partners who are stepping up with time, money and creative vision to change the lives of thousands of young Portlanders and put them on a path to success in adulthood. Open Meadow, along with the Portland Schools Foundation and over thirty others, are founding partners of the coalition.