The PGE Foundation has awarded $465,000 in education grants to 29 organizations to help further community efforts to engage and empower youth through education. This year's funding will go toward improving education systems and expanding hands-on learning opportunities for middle and high schoolers, as well as scholarships for post-secondary education access.

“Today’s sixth graders will be our innovators tomorrow, but historically, too many of those incredible, creative minds have been left out, unheard, and don’t see themselves as part of the solution to life’s challenges,” said Melissa Dubois, program officer of the PGE Foundation. “Thankfully, these organizations are doing incredible work to help students build their confidence, passion and talents.”

A few recipients of this year's education grant include Oregon MESA, OnTrack OHSU!, Project LEDO and Girls, Inc. of the Pacific Northwest. These programs provide youth from underserved communities with a place to explore science, technology, engineering and math-related fields and connect them with caring adult mentors.

In addition to middle and high school engagement, PGE Foundation will fund scholarships to 10 organizations supporting access to higher education for students of color, women and first-generation college students. Included is a continued investment in the PGE Scholars program, which has provided nearly $2.28 million to more than 800 scholars through the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities.

“Our investments continue to elevate our commitment to individual and community prosperity,” said Kregg Arntson, executive director of the PGE Foundation. “Together with our recently announced Careers Pathways grants, we believe our investments in education will continue to help Oregonians develop the tools and skills needed to take hold of their future.”

Please see the complete list of PGE Foundation 2023 Education grant recipients.

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.