Youth Force

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro, we believe workforce development begins long before a young person applies for their first job. It begins in the early elementary years—when kids begin to develop the literacy, confidence, curiosity, and practical skills that will shape their futures.

That’s why we’ve been gradually building a full-age essential skills building continuum for youth and teens grades 1-12. This transformative framework provides young people with consistent, ongoing support along the continuum as they progress through grade school, middle school, and high school—helping equip them for a successful transition into college, career training, apprenticeships or the workforce.

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Youth Force Centers

Beginning in Spring 2027, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro will pilot a Youth Force Center at our Clegg Boys & Girls Club (powered by PCC Structurals) located in SE Portland. Youth Force Centers will serve middle and high school teens as hubs for hands-on career exploration, skills-building, and workforce development.

These Centers will engage teens in:

Career exploration through immersive VR simulations and real-world experiences.
Training toward industry-recognized licenses and certifications.
Technical skills-building in areas such as skilled trades, robotics, healthcare, engineering, hospitality, cosmetology, and more.
Soft skills-building in areas such as resume-writing, interviewing, communication, and networking.
Financial literacy skills including budgeting, saving, investing, and philanthropy.
Real work experience connecting with first jobs, internships, and apprenticeships.
Youth of the Year preparation: learning how to effectively speak publicly, tell stories, and share lived experiences before live audiences.

The Club of the Future

Following the Clegg pilot, we plan to expand Youth Force Centers to our CareOregon, Blazers, and Inukai Clubs throughout 2027.

Our Youth Force Centers will not only complete our skills-building continuum—they will also represent the Clubs of the Future. Safe, positive and transformative spaces where teens can build on skills learned at the elementary level by exploring, dreaming, and building the more advanced skills they will need to achieve success as future career leaders.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro, 2026 Youth of the Year

Invest in Portland Metro’s Teens

This is our vision for the future of youth development—a connected pathway from first grade through high school graduation, guided by caring professional mentors and designed to equip every next generation leader with the skills they need for the future.

Together, we can equip Portland Metro’s teens to be Future Ready.

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