SPRINGFIELD – Every day, thousands of young people in Lane County encounter significant obstacles that hinder their ability to complete their education, secure employment, or transition smoothly into adulthood.
According to recent data, nearly 35% of the youth in the area experience poverty, while 32% identify as students of color and 17% live with disabilities.
Additionally, 47% of local households struggle to meet basic needs, earning just above the Federal Poverty Level, which is insufficient to thrive in today’s economy. Among individuals aged 18 to 24, more than 8% have not graduated high school, and 40% of those living independently earn less than $25,000 annually.
In response to these challenges, Connected Lane County is stepping in to support youth aged 14 to 24. The nonprofit organization provides essential services, including educational support, career exploration, paid work experiences, job training, and access to basic needs.
“Too many young people in our community are entering adulthood without the resources, support, or opportunities they need to succeed,” said Jesse Nelson, executive director. “Our role is to ensure that poverty or circumstance doesn’t cut their potential short. With community support, we can help every young person access the pathways that will allow them to thrive.”
To strengthen this work, Connected Lane County has launched Ready, Set, Thrive!, a campaign to raise $100,000 by Dec. 31, 2025. Funds directly support youth through three stages of impact:
- Ready – Meeting immediate needs like food, transportation, clothing or workwear, and hygiene supplies.
- Set – Building educational foundations with one-on-one guidance, goal setting, and connections to resources that help youth stay on track to graduate.
- Thrive – Equipping youth with paid internships, job training, STEM labs, and mentorship that open doors to future careers.
Community contributions make a real difference: $25 keeps a young person fed and ready to learn, $100 provides workwear for a first job, $500 connects youth with mentorship to stay on track to graduate, and $5,000 funds a transformative 160-hour paid internship with career training.
“With flexible funding, we can respond the moment a barrier arises—whether that’s helping a youth afford a bus pass, get their first pair of nonslip shoes, or secure a paid internship,” said Iliana Lang Lundgren, development manager. Community members can give online at connectedlane.org/donate.
