In celebration of Oregon STEM Week (May 2–10), the PGE Foundation is announcing a major investment in Oregon’s future science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce as part of its commitment to expanding opportunities and strengthening communities through STEM education.

This year, through the Career-Connected Learning Fund, the PGE Foundation awarded 19 grants totaling more than $350,000 to nonprofits advancing hands-on, applied STEM education across Oregon. The foundation also provided $135,000 in college scholarships to students pursuing STEM degrees.

The PGE Foundation believes education is the cornerstone of individual success, economic prosperity and community vitality—preparing young people of all backgrounds for the jobs of the future.

“Many of today’s big problems require curiosity and creative solutions fueled by STEM skills. Today’s curious kids with big, open minds and big ideas are critical,” said Melissa Dubois Lewis, PGE Foundation program officer.

STEMFest brings STEM learning to life

Alongside many of this year’s Career-Connected Learning grant recipients, PGE also participated in STEMFest, a hands‑on community event offering interactive experiments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to local students.

Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC) hosted the event at Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). Both organizations received grants this year supporting STEM learning for youth. SEI’s director of program innovation, Tamra Hickok, said that for many students—especially those historically underrepresented in STEM—hands‑on events like STEMFest provide access to experiences that can shape a child’s future.

“In our community many students of color don’t have the opportunity to have this much STEM effort in one place. STEMFest gives us a chance to showcase the many different opportunities in STEM careers,” said Hickok.

Oregon STEM also participated in STEMFest. Oregon STEM’s mission is to support statewide alignment of education, industry, and partners to strengthen STEM pathways for youth. Executive director Stephanie Salomone emphasized that industry engagement is essential to preparing Oregon’s future workforce.

“Industries should really care about STEM education. STEM learning and career technical education are teaching our kids to think and process in a particular way that they can leverage for any career of their choosing,” said Salomone.

For the complete list of 2026 Career Connected Learning grants, click here. To learn more about the PGE Foundation, visit PGEFoundation.org.

PGE employees volunteer at STEMFest showcasing hands-on STEM education.

PGE employees volunteer at STEMFest showcasing hands-on STEM education.

PGE employees volunteer at STEMFest showcasing hands-on STEM education.

About the PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization, aligns its grantmaking with Portland General Electric’s commitment to the communities it serves. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for Oregonians. As a foundation dedicated to helping others, it prioritizes support for upstream solutions that expand access, build skills and confidence, and open pathways for greater economic mobility — creating lasting impact for individuals and local communities. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $32 million to community organizations across the state. To learn more, please visit www.pgefoundation.org.