When funding is cut, it’s not just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s real impact on young people, families, and our community’s future.
Funding Challenges, Community Resilience
At ELSO, we know that community care and opportunity are non-negotiable. Our work is rooted in joy, culture, and connection with the outdoors. We create pathways for Black and Brown youth to thrive in science, environmental justice, and design, while uplifting families with hands-on learning, mentorship, and holistic wellness.
What’s at Stake?
Nationally, only 6% of U.S. students earn a degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), and Black and Latinx students are significantly underrepresented in those fields (National Science Foundation, 2023). Fewer resources mean fewer chances for BIPOC youth to engage in outdoor STEAM programs, workforce development internships, and leadership fellowships that prepare them for college and careers.
Youth Development & Education
When funding is cut, Black, Brown, and youth from all walks of life lose access to outdoor STEAM programs, workforce development internships, and leadership fellowships that prepare them for college and careers.
YOU CAN CREATE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Tappin’ Roots provides 9 college students with a 9 month fellowship & 16 high school youth with a summer internship.
Over 60 youth are participating in digital design cohorts and receiving tactile packages to aid in their learning.
4 tours geared towards the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and design (AECD) industry to expose youth to different careers.
Community Safety & Belonging
Funding cuts threaten structured spaces, community building spaces, and opportunities for safe, joyful connection rooted in culture and nature.
YOU CAN BUILD COMMUNITY
Harvest Party invites the community in Portland’s largest free science based fall festival inviting upwards of 400 community members in
Create space for 18 youth to learn about apparel design, culture, and artistic representation through design.
Introduce 80 youth to professionals in the STEAM industry such as, engineers, project managers, park rangers, architects, and more!
5 weeks of nature & environmental immersive summer camp….
Family Resilience
YOU CAN CREATE JOY.
Funding cuts ripple outward — forcing parents to choose between enrichment opportunities and basic needs, while kids miss out on experiences that spark growth and hope
5 weeks of summer camps in Portland and 3 in Texas are at risk…
Camp ELSO is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Unless noted, no goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution. Tax ID: 83-1208258
The Stakes Are Real, Our Youth Can’t Wait
Without resources, students lose access to mentors who show them what’s possible.
Families are forced to choose between enrichment programs and basic needs.
Young leaders miss the internships and fellowships that prepare them for careers in science, design, and sustainability.
Your Action Matters, This is the moment to act
Join us in protecting opportunities and ensuring the next generation of changemakers thrives.
Every dollar fuels resilience and joy:
$50 provides supplies for a Wayfinders camper.
$100 supports a field-based environmental lesson.
$500 funds a paid internship for a young leader.
$1,000 sustains community events like our Harvest Party.
