2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Self Enhancement, Inc.

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Children & Youth, Human Services, Personal Social Services, Youth Development

Mission: Self Enhancement, Inc. is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their potential. Working with schools, families, and community organizations, SEI provides opportunities for personal and academic success, bringing hope to individual young people and enhancing the quality of community life. In 2006, there were over 2300 children enrolled in SEI's programs that help inner-city students overcome barriers to success and close the achievement gap. SEI works with students from age 8 to 25 in eleven Portland Public Schools, in after school and summer programs, in its own charter middle school, and in entering and succeeding college. SEI involves parents in supporting their children's education and partners with over 60 community organizations to provide options and exposure.Recognized by the prestigious Edna McConnell Clark Foundation as one of the most effective youth development organizations in the nation, SEI helps instill in thousands of North and Northeast Portland youth a sense of pride, integrity, creativity, and options. Over two-thirds of SEI participants improve school attendance, grades and behavior. An average of 98% of SEI's high school freshmen graduate four years later and 85% of those go on to college,often the first in their family to do so.SEI's motto is LIFE HAS OPTIONS.

Community Stories

7 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

Angelina R., Client Served

Rating: 5

04/11/2013

Since my daughter started the sixth grade at SEI academy she has become a straight A student, and I am in awe of her new commitment to be all she can be. She has found acceptance and self worth at the academy and is anxious not to miss a day at school and she doesn't want to be late. She loves the experience and fits in surrounded by peers like herself! Thank you SEI for helping my daughter be all she can be!!! Sincelely, Angelina, Proud Parent of sixth grade daughter at the academy...

pdx1977 General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

12/02/2022

A lot of wasted resources, nepotism is rampant
programming lacks substance and value

MikeBetters General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

01/20/2022

Had scheduled appointment, never called. I called and was told sit tight. 3 Days later, and still no call, no returned calls, Nada. NON Service. If they won't return a call, what are they doing with our very personal information?! We give financial and medical info, and they disappear.

Rylie604 General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

07/08/2021

I feel SEI ONLY helps black families! I am white and my boyfriend & granddaughter who went into their establishment during a time we were in a financial crisis were attempting to get assistance for our PGE bill. We had all the required paperwork they required. They made us come in 3 times to provide more proof. On our last trip in there they wouldn’t help us because they wanted an extra copy that they refused to make for us and then they decided to demand a letter from our landlord stating we would not be kicked out) & of course, we needed to make a 4th appointment to bring all back and by then all the funds were depleted. The dirty looks and hateful attitudes we got was more then obvious. DO NOT go here if you are a white family as they will do everything in their power to block you and will waste your time. We made an appointment very next day with Snow Cap and within 5 minutes we were successfully approved for our PGE assistance.

Also when we were at counter being waited on they several times stopped helping us and would talk to or help black individual behind us in line. They are very racist toward whites!! They were looking for reasons to block us and send us away.

Tricia503 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/02/2012

I went to their fundraiser last year - as a community member who has worked with Tony Hopson on the Portland African American Leadership Forum. I had always heard great things - but never seen them as up close as this. They are doing a great job instilling a love of learning and a zest for life into their kids. And most amazing is the mutual love and respect between the children and all the adults who work there.

Freda B. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/25/2012

I had the pleasure of visiting the school facility in Portland OR, May of 2011. I was amazed at first, of how respectful the students were to me, staff and their peers. Their interaction with each other in the facility show a dynamic of commaradery. The staff while being professional also gave a sense of being personal to the students, showing them that they not only cared about their education and future but were concerned about them. I was so impressed that I wished that such a program was available for my son who was a Senior in a Pennsylvania High School. The success rate of the students going on to higher education was impressionable as well. Good Job! I give this Corporation 5 stars!

Susan Nichols General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/22/2012

SEI is an invaluable member of our Portland community. They change young people lives in the services and mentors they provide.

samantha.lee3 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/22/2012

We worked with SEI for a service project, bringing out PCC volunteers to serve alongside the SEI Academy students. It was a wonderful experience working with Jackie Meyer and the enthusiastic students to beautify the center grounds. It was clear that the students were well supported by SEI, and it was wonderful for our own students and staff to work alongside them to benefit the neighborhood. SEI is also pivotal in the Middle College program at Jefferson, which has a strong connection to PCC as the students receive college credit for high school courses.

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