PGE Foundation is building on its long-standing commitment to career-connected learning and workforce readiness by expanding investments in Career Pathways.
Starting in 2023, a greater portion of the Foundation’s giving portfolio will invest in programs and initiatives focused on the following outcomes for working-age adults:
Greater access to high-demand, family wage jobs in trades, STEM and green sectors
Job readiness through improved skills, knowledge and capabilities
Addressing barriers to employability through wrap-around services, mentoring, self-advocacy and other individualized support
Growth in entrepreneurship and business ownership for BIPOC and woman-owned small businesses
“Over the last few years, we’ve been listening to community and philanthropic partners who have elevated the need to address common barriers to economic mobility and generational wealth-building," said Kregg Arntson, executive director of PGE Foundation. “The Career Pathways funding cycle is all about empowering Oregonians to develop the tools, skills and knowledge to access family-wage jobs and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.”
The Career Pathways cycle will replace the Safe & Stable Families grant cycle, which focused on preventing and mitigating health and housing crises facing Oregon's families. This transition aims to continue the PGE Foundation's commitment to family security by investing in education and workforce development - two critical levers for both individual and community prosperity. The Foundation believes investments in career pathways will better meet the needs of community partners and yield long-term economic benefits to underserved communities.
As the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric, this shift reinforces PGE’s role in creating a diverse regional economy, while contributing to regional and statewide community prosperity outcomes. These efforts will create access to jobs and careers for Oregonians who have historically faced barriers to opportunities that lead to meaningful employment.
The Career Pathways grant cycle opens May 22 – July 7, with grant decisions made in September 2023.
Additional question? Please contact PGE Foundation program officer, Melissa Dubois or Kregg Arntson, PGE Foundation executive director.
About the PGE Foundation
The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for Oregonians. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $28 million to community organizations across the state. We champion values that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Working together with community members, partners and friends, we are committed to using our time and resources to help eliminate disparities and create an equitable society where all people can reach their full potential. To learn more, please visit pgefoundation.org.