Spring 2006
Michael attended a public high school for four years, and thought he was on track to graduate. At the last minute, a review of his credits found him short and unable to graduate, so he left.

Michael took time to do internships and became involved with the Native American Youth Association and Portland Opportunity Industrialization Center, where he finished his high school degree in November of 2004. He heard about Open Meadow’s Corporate Connections program through NAYA. “I wanted to be in this program to get a better idea of what I want to do in college,” said Michael.

After completing Corporate Connections class work, Michael was accepted at IKON’s facility at Bullivant Houser Bailey. His supervisor Scott Adams, IKON’s Site Manager for services with Bullivant Houser Bailey said, “Michael’s internship went very well, and he’s now a permanent employee. I’m very happy with the program. It gave us the opportunity to train Michael and to see how well he would fit in here with the legal environment.”

“The best thing about this job is the people,” Michael said, and then added with a smile, “plus it’s a really easy commute from home.” He is saving most of his earnings to help pay for college.
Excerpt from an article written by freelance writer, Sue Clark.