E3 helped launch the Youth Matters! program in 2003 and although we are no longer active in this community we are pleased to report that strong relationships continue to exist between the schools and local business and community organizations.  In fact, the Oregon Department of Education named Forest Grove's Youth Matters! program an Outstanding Community/School Partnership in the state for 2006.

The "40 Developmental Assets" is a framework that assesses the health and well-being of middle and high school age youth. It measures the presence of external support that adults provide, such as love, guidance and structure, as well as young people's internal assets such as motivation, values and beliefs. In a 2004 survey of 800 7th, 9th & 11th grade students, Forest Grove youth had an average of only 17.6 of the 40 assets, putting them at risk for academic failure and dangerous behavior. Only 6% of Forest Grove students have 30 or more assets, while 63% of students had 20 or fewer. It's clear these students need more assets in every part of their lives.

Caring relationships between the community and our youth are needed to make certain they have the assets they need to grow up healthy, caring and competent.

Community Update

The Oregon Department of Education recently named Forest Grove's Youth Matters! program an Outstanding Community/School Partnership in the state. Youth Matters is a community initiative to raise awareness of the 40 Developmental Assets and to create a culture where all adults feel a responsibility for youth. Forest Grove collaborates with many areas of the community, including the school district, the city, Pacific University, civic organizations, schools, parents, as well as Hispanic, business and faith communities. The leadership team adopted 40 developmental assets that young people need in their lives to help them grow up and be successful. Some of their programs, which are aimed at improving the 40 assets, include after school programs, summer recreation, and TEAM (school business partnerships) mentoring. Forest Grove is also planning for the future, with a goal of creating a community Youth Center in coming years.

Thank You Founding Leadership Team!

Cornelius City Council
Forest Grove Parks and Recreation
Forest Grove School District
His Church Forest Grove Foursquare
Pacific University
Portland Community College
Tom McCall Administrator
Tuality Healthcare
United Church of Christ
Waltz Sheridan Crawford