Student Mission Statements

Addiction + Substance Abuse (17)

MISSION STATEMENT 3: Leadership students at Astoria Middle School will be granting money to nonprofit organizations in Oregon that provide addiction prevention and recovery support services. We will focus on organizations that provide prevention education, accessible care, and comprehensive support to teens, young adults, and families impacted by addiction. We believe people should get early support and should have stable and loving care throughout their journey to recovery. We would like to see less people struggling with addiction because they could not access adequate healthcare, and we would like to lessen the impact addiction has on families, especially in Clatsop County and other rural communities across our state.

MISSION STATEMENT 6: The Schnitzer Cares AVID 12 students at Benson Polytechnic High School will be granting money to organizations providing addiction rehabilitation services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in the Portland Metro Area. We believe youth are negatively impacted by addiction. We want to support rehabilitation services that strengthen youth health and improve their futures. We will focus on organizations that help those who are ages 12-21 with treatment options, therapy, housing, and education. The AVID 12 group would like to see more accessible treatment options for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

MISSION STATEMENT 7: Our mission this year as the Catlin Gabel Schnitzer Cares Club is to address the prominent issue of drug addiction by supporting local nonprofit organizations that run rehabilitation services, prioritizing nonprofits that offer inpatient rehabilitation care. In particular, we hope to support their counseling programs, striving to empower individuals on their path to recovery and wellness. We want to support rehabilitation services because we have seen first-hand the drastic impacts of drug addiction on the Portland community and its links to houselessness, and we believe those seeking recovery should not be impaired by a lack of funding.

MISSION STATEMENT 9: The Schnitzer Cares students of Central Catholic High School’s Cardinal Group will be granting money to organizations providing drug rehabilitation and addiction support to people struggling with these issues in the Portland Metro Area. We believe the ongoing addiction crisis in our community is a severe problem, and those struggling need help and compassion. We will focus on organizations that have support services to help those struggling with addiction and we would like to see people who are suffering get the help they need, as well as improvement in the quality of the resources given to them.

MISSION STATEMENT 27: At Glencoe High School, we strive to tackle arguably the most pressing issue in the Portland Metro Area, houselessness. We’ve seen the repercussions of houselessness in community members, families, and students at our school. With this in mind, we recognize that houselessness can be accompanied by severe effects on those experiencing it, and therefore we will focus on nonprofits that provide services to address hunger and abuse among those who are houseless. We believe access to resources regarding houselessness shouldn't have barriers, and that this access can make all the difference in turning around someone's life. As a school, and as a Schnitzer Cares committee, our goal is to support local nonprofit organizations that seek to provide resources to all houseless people, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, income, or ability. We strive to offer our funds to nonprofits whose goal is to serve all people and to curb the negative effects of houselessness, providing hope to those in need in our greater community.

MISSION STATEMENT 29: We, the Period 7 AVID Class at Grant High School, will be granting money to organizations in the Portland Metro Area that support teen and young adult addiction and overdose prevention. We believe addiction is a disease with a lack of support and one of the biggest issues for teens and young adults today. We are excited to include organizations that offer prevention-focused education and harm reduction, especially regarding fentanyl, but also organizations that provide wrap-around services and housing to addicted or impacted teens and young adults. We hope to see fewer fentanyl overdoses, lower rates of teen addiction, and help to create a safer future for Portland teens.

MISSION STATEMENT 31: Our Period 3 Leadership Class at Grant High School is dedicated to supporting families in the Portland Metro Area who are facing financial challenges, particularly families with young children. Our mission is to provide essential care and resources (including medical/reproductive healthcare services, hygiene products, shelter/housing access, clothing and shoes, and food and water) for families so they can achieve stability and a better quality of life. We will prioritize organizations that support parents who are impacted by addiction. Driven by our personal experiences and deep commitment to making a positive impact, we aim to foster hope and create lasting change in our community.

MISSION STATEMENT 42: We are Ruqayya Jarad’s 5th Period Freshman Leadership and Inquiry Class at Lincoln High School. Our mission is to support organizations that provide mental health services to individuals struggling with addiction in the Portland Metro Area. We believe no one should have to face addiction alone. Everyone deserves access to the support and resources needed to break the dangerous cycle of drug use. We recognize that untreated mental health issues are a leading cause of addiction, and addressing this is critical. Our priority is to fund organizations that offer rehabilitation and mental health services to those battling addiction within our community. By raising awareness about the importance of mental health, we aim to help lower addiction rates and reduce overall drug use in the Portland Metro Area.

MISSION STATEMENT 46: We are Profe Kreuzer’s 6th Period FLI Class of 2028 at Lincoln High School. Our goal this year is to fund nonprofit organizations that support young adults experiencing addiction and mental health struggles. We see young adults struggling from the time we get to school to when the school day ends because of our school's location in the strait of downtown Portland. We aim to support the low-income population in our community because we believe everyone deserves assistance, especially those who are struggling. We will provide support to organizations focused on meeting the needs of young adults experiencing addiction and mental health struggles. We want to see positive changes in our school and the surrounding areas through the funds we raise.

MISSION STATEMENT 53: The students of McDaniel High School's Business Launch Class have decided to focus our fundraising and grantmaking on supporting youth and young adults in the Portland area, with an emphasis on public schools, struggling with mental health and addiction. We find this topic important because we have seen first-hand what poor mental health and drug usage can do to students, disrupting learning as well as creating life-long issues. We have seen few services being provided to students struggling in our community and we are looking to support nonprofits that offer rehab and therapy while fostering open communication regarding struggles with mental health and addiction. In doing this, we hope to help fight the stigma regarding these issues and provide our youth with the support they need.

MISSION STATEMENT 56: This year the Nixyáawii Schnitzer Cares Chapter will work to combat the historical trauma and resulting mental health crisis that has contributed to alcohol and substance abuse for generations. This topic is important to us as student leaders because we see our community struggling with these health issues and we intend to break the cycle. Our efforts will focus on organizations working within Umatilla County.

MISSION STATEMENT 60: The CommuniCare Club at Pendleton High School will be granting money to organizations that focus on serving youth and families through drug rehabilitation, animal rescue and shelter, or shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Eastern Oregon. We believe our community and many others like it face problems like teen drug addiction, animals in dangerous environments, and/or need of shelter, all of which are ongoing problems in the Eastern Oregon community. We will focus on organizations that provide programs to help battle drug addiction, organizations that protect, rescue, and/or house pets, and organizations that provide shelter for homeless youth and families. We would like to see a reduction in addiction and overdose, especially in the teen demographic. We would also like to make a positive change in our community and help both humans and animals alike to have access to shelter.

MISSION STATEMENT 63: The 1st Period Business Management Class at Roosevelt High School will be granting money to organizations that work with youth and families struggling with drug addiction in North Portland. This issue is important to us because we have seen young people harmed by addiction in our community and we think all young people are worth loving and supporting. We will focus on organizations that educate people about the harms of addiction, alleviate the suffering of people impacted, and provide safe spaces for people who have lost necessary resources due to addiction. We hope to see more people in recovery programs, less drug addiction and use in our community, more safe places for people impacted by addiction, and more education about the harms of addiction.

MISSION STATEMENT 68: We are the 6th Period 10th grade AVID students at Tigard High School. As AVID 10 students, we are eager to learn, passionate, and open-minded. We are working with Schnitzer Cares to grant funding to organizations that provide housing and resources such as food, water, and addiction support, as well as education about healthy relationships, to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse within the Portland Metro Area, prioritizing Washington County. These organizations should help survivors find peace and safety from their abuse and trauma. We are passionate about this because many times survivors of abuse are held financially and emotionally hostage by their abuser, which leads to them staying in the vicious cycle of abuse. Our goal is to support organizations that provide dignity and help so that survivors feel safe, secure, and empowered. We would like to see less abuse, fewer survivors struggling with addiction or housing access, more people getting back on their feet, and survivors getting the chance to heal, allowing them the same opportunities as everyone else, and making sure they receive peace and justice. We want survivors to feel safe and be given the opportunity at a better life with an equal chance to succeed as they continue to heal.

MISSION STATEMENT 73: The National Honor Society students at Warrenton High School are partnering with Schnitzer Cares to provide funding for organizations that support unhoused and underprivileged populations in Clatsop County. We recognize the significant need for additional resources for these individuals and pets in our community. We hope that by providing this support we can improve living conditions and the overall environment in Clatsop County. Our focus will be on organizations that address the needs of those experiencing homelessness, struggling with mental health/addiction issues, or facing financial difficulties, as well as organizations that help animals in need. Our goal is to see fewer people and animals on the streets and to help everyone thrive within our community.

MISSION STATEMENT 76: The Schnitzer Cares students from Ida B. Wells High School's Advanced Leadership Class will be granting funds to organizations dedicated to supporting teens struggling with mental health challenges and addiction in the Portland Metro Area. Teenagers dealing with addiction and mental health issues are very important to address, as our school’s community has dealt with tragic loss this past year due to students dealing with related issues. We believe there is an urgent need for accessible mental health and addiction support for teens who face barriers to receiving care. Our focus will be on organizations that provide immediate and affordable services such as crisis hotlines, addiction support programs, low-cost counseling, and intervention resources to teens experiencing mental health or substance use crises. We envision a future where our peers have the resources and guidance to build resilience and overcome obstacles in a rapidly changing world.

MISSION STATEMENT 77: The Weston-McEwen High School Schnitzer Cares group’s mission is to grant funds to organizations that provide rehabilitative support for those in our locality subjected to addiction, domestic and sexual abuse, or those who are struggling with mental health conditions. Our group is interested in primarily focusing on organizations that will benefit the larger Athena-Weston communities, especially adolescents and young adults. We recognize the demand for these services and have experienced and witnessed first-hand the benefits of receiving them, as well as the consequences of the lack thereof. These services include, but are not limited to, the provision of transportation to resources or service providers in a different location, connections and funding for families or groups who are in need, or groups looking to disseminate information on these topics. The WMHS Schnitzer Cares team strongly believes in the importance of receiving quality care that allows individuals receiving it to feel safe, secure, and confident in what they are acquiring, as well as keeping those around us well-informed and connected.

Adult Education + Enrichment (4)

MISSION STATEMENT 1: The students of Alliance High School will be granting money to organizations in the Portland Metro Area that bring joy to adults with developmental disabilities by offering interest-based experiences. We believe people with developmental disabilities deserve opportunities and experiences that enrich their lives and allow them to pursue their interests in meaningful ways. We would like more people with developmental disabilities to have access to programs that allow them to make friends and increase their sense of belonging, self-love, and confidence. We are especially interested in supporting programs that offer access to the arts, outdoors, or recreational fitness.

MISSION STATEMENT 24: The Schnitzer Cares students in the Franklin High School Maroon Student Store Management & Philanthropy Class will be granting money to organizations providing support and services for people in need of affordable housing in the Portland Metro Area, prioritizing organizations specifically serving people in SE Portland. We believe everyone deserves a place to call home, and we want people in the community to have access to affordable housing. We will focus on organizations that specialize in helping people achieve long-term housing stability through direct services and educational opportunities such as financial literacy programs. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need, we aim to see a significant improvement in housing stability and financial literacy among the residents of SE Portland. Our ultimate goal is to create a community where everyone has access to stable and affordable housing, as well as the tools to maintain it.

MISSION STATEMENT 32: The National Honor Society students of Gresham High School have chosen to focus their efforts on organizations that seek to provide services to immigrants and refugees from ages 0-17 in East Multnomah County. These resources may include (but are not limited to) food, hygiene, mental support services, educational services, and free medical services. We believe there needs to be more resources for immigrants and refugees in order to help them overcome their situations, thus providing adequate resources will uplift these individuals. We will prioritize organizations that advocate for the overall well-being of immigrants and refugees by accessing resources and providing them to these individuals. We are hopeful to see these groups of people overcome their hardships and succeed in their new communities.

MISSION STATEMENT 33: The Hermiston High School Key Club is excited to participate in the 2024-2025 Schnitzer Cares program. Our committee has dedicated this year's mission to creating a positive impact for immigrants and refugees of all ages. We will prioritize organizations in the Hermiston, Stanfield, and Umatilla areas, but we would be happy to consider organizations serving other Eastern Oregon communities. We are particularly interested in hearing from organizations that specialize in bringing immigrants and refugees access to medical care, language and translation services, and citizenship services. The committee at the Hermiston High School Key Club firmly believes in providing immigrants and refugees with access to the services and unwavering support that they need to thrive in their communities.

Affordable Housing (8)

MISSION STATEMENT 2: The students at Astoria High School have chosen to focus their efforts on organizations that seek to help and provide food access and shelter in the Pacific Northwest to low-income and needy people. We work to empower our community to focus on initiatives that build health, well-being, and stability. We will focus on organizations that ensure food security and supportive housing, while striving for even better ways to change the lives of those needing such services in Clatsop County.

MISSION STATEMENT 11: The CommuniCare Chapter at Clackamas High School is committed to supporting homeless teenagers and young families in the Portland Metro Area. Our goal is to assist them in overcoming food and housing insecurities. We will prioritize organizations that provide food to families and youth in need through food banks and free food markets, as well as organizations that support and provide affordable housing opportunities and education. Our CommuniCare Chapter has seen the impact homelessness has had on our community, and we strive to support those in need. We aim to alleviate the strain that homelessness has had on young individuals.

MISSION STATEMENT 24: The Schnitzer Cares students in the Franklin High School Maroon Student Store Management & Philanthropy Class will be granting money to organizations providing support and services for people in need of affordable housing in the Portland Metro Area, prioritizing organizations specifically serving people in SE Portland. We believe everyone deserves a place to call home, and we want people in the community to have access to affordable housing. We will focus on organizations that specialize in helping people achieve long-term housing stability through direct services and educational opportunities such as financial literacy programs. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need, we aim to see a significant improvement in housing stability and financial literacy among the residents of SE Portland. Our ultimate goal is to create a community where everyone has access to stable and affordable housing, as well as the tools to maintain it.

MISSION STATEMENT 35: We are students at Hillsboro High School and a committee from the 6th Period Theory of Knowledge Class. We believe in supporting current victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse because they need a network of support to recover, heal, and thrive. This includes access to safe housing, medical care, counseling, and other resources. This group is underrepresented, and the seriousness of the issue is not adequately acknowledged by the community. By supporting survivors in the greater Portland Metro Area, we hope to contribute to building a community where everyone feels safe and protected.

MISSION STATEMENT 51: We are Mr. Hunter's 7th Period Freshman Leadership and Inquiry Class at Lincoln High School. We will be granting money to organizations that provide housing assistance to families experiencing homelessness in the Portland Metro Area. We believe everyone deserves a place to call home. We will focus on organizations that help families find safe and secure housing.

MISSION STATEMENT 54: The students of the McDaniel High School Business Management Class have chosen to concentrate our efforts on organizations that support impoverished members of the NE 82nd community in Portland. We’ve seen how rapidly NE 82nd has declined and how it has impacted the health of our community. We are particularly interested in supporting organizations that focus on food insecurity, housing, and healthcare. We are excited to see the impact of “Building a Better 82nd”, and are hopeful that supporting these organizations will multiply the positive impact.

MISSION STATEMENT 58: We are the Civics Class at Open School East. We have chosen to support nonprofit organizations that provide healthcare or medical services to immigrants in Oregon. We feel immigrants are a valued part of our community and make America better. We specifically want to donate our funds to organizations that offer affordable healthcare, but we would like to prioritize organizations that also provide access to housing, food, and other necessary services. It is also important to us that the nonprofits that apply for our funding are dedicated to serving members of marginalized communities. We hope our grant funds will help immigrant families get back on their feet and ensure a better, healthier quality of life for immigrants because we believe they deserve the same respect as other Oregonians.

MISSION STATEMENT 75: The Intro to Leadership Class of Ida B. Wells High School would like to direct our Schnitzer Cares funding towards families in the Portland Metro Area struggling with poverty. Specifically, we would like to support nonprofit organizations that provide resources and support to local families struggling with housing instability. We are particularly interested in programs serving families with teens in their households. According to Portland.gov, "Half of all Portland renters are cost-burdened, paying over 30% of their income on rent. One in four pays over half their income on rent." We must take action to invest in programs that ensure housing resources are available to low-income households that can't keep up with growing expenses. We believe all families have a right to feel secure. Our goal is to help ensure that families in need are provided with resources so they can stay housed and stay together.

Animal Welfare (3)

MISSION STATEMENT 16: The Schnitzer Cares students at Corbett High School will be granting money to organizations dedicated to animal welfare services in Multnomah County. We believe greater support is needed to protect vulnerable animals and to raise awareness around the issue of animal welfare. Our focus will be on organizations that establish improved systems of care for animals in need. We would like to see greater awareness about this issue in our community, and we hope to see more animals receive necessary medical care and find their forever homes.

MISSION STATEMENT 60: The CommuniCare Club at Pendleton High School will be granting money to organizations that focus on serving youth and families through drug rehabilitation, animal rescue and shelter, or shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Eastern Oregon. We believe our community and many others like it face problems like teen drug addiction, animals in dangerous environments, and/or need of shelter, all of which are ongoing problems in the Eastern Oregon community. We will focus on organizations that provide programs to help battle drug addiction, organizations that protect, rescue, and/or house pets, and organizations that provide shelter for homeless youth and families. We would like to see a reduction in addiction and overdose, especially in the teen demographic. We would also like to make a positive change in our community and help both humans and animals alike to have access to shelter.

MISSION STATEMENT 73: The National Honor Society students at Warrenton High School are partnering with Schnitzer Cares to provide funding for organizations that support unhoused and underprivileged populations in Clatsop County. We recognize the significant need for additional resources for these individuals and pets in our community. We hope that by providing this support we can improve living conditions and the overall environment in Clatsop County. Our focus will be on organizations that address the needs of those experiencing homelessness, struggling with mental health/addiction issues, or facing financial difficulties, as well as organizations that help animals in need. Our goal is to see fewer people and animals on the streets and to help everyone thrive within our community.

Arts + Culture (2)

MISSION STATEMENT 17: The "Doing Art" Performance Art Class of Creekside Community High School will be granting money to organizations that support access to performing arts for marginalized school-aged people in the Portland Metro Area. We believe the arts are an important outlet for people that gives them a space to share their thoughts and feelings. We have learned that children who take part in the arts are at least five times more likely to graduate high school, regardless of socio-economic status. We will focus on organizations that provide art services and/or experiences to K-12 school-aged students. We would like to see people flourish socially and academically, and also build confidence in themselves.

MISSION STATEMENT 61: The Schnitzer Cares group from the Roosevelt High School Advanced Theatre Class is focused on providing grants to nonprofit organizations in the City of Portland that use the arts to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals struggling with mental health in our community. We believe art programs are necessary to strengthen our neighborhoods and we hope to see more availability of spaces where people feel welcomed and a part of a community.

Basic Needs + Shelter (15)

MISSION STATEMENT 2: The students at Astoria High School have chosen to focus their efforts on organizations that seek to help and provide food access and shelter in the Pacific Northwest to low-income and needy people. We work to empower our community to focus on initiatives that build health, well-being, and stability. We will focus on organizations that ensure food security and supportive housing, while striving for even better ways to change the lives of those needing such services in Clatsop County.

MISSION STATEMENT 6: The Schnitzer Cares AVID 12 students at Benson Polytechnic High School will be granting money to organizations providing addiction rehabilitation services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in the Portland Metro Area. We believe youth are negatively impacted by addiction. We want to support rehabilitation services that strengthen youth health and improve their futures. We will focus on organizations that help those who are ages 12-21 with treatment options, therapy, housing, and education. The AVID 12 group would like to see more accessible treatment options for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

MISSION STATEMENT 23: We, the Schnitzer Cares students of the Franklin High School Lightning Mart Grey Team, will be granting money to organizations that address young adult, youth, and family houselessness in the Portland Metro Area. We believe houselessness has become a major problem in the last five years and has brought significant negative impacts for youth in our community in particular. We will focus on organizations that prioritize serving young people and children impacted by houselessness. We are particularly interested in nonprofits that offer programming such as mental health support, fundamental healthcare services, educational support, and providing for young people’s basic needs like food and safe places to sleep. We would like to see young people and children, especially those who are most vulnerable, uplifted and given the opportunities and resources they need to be safe, secure, and stable.

MISSION STATEMENT 25: The Schnitzer Cares students of Franklin High School AVID 10 will be granting money to organizations that provide food banks and food drives for families who are struggling in Portland. We believe food is a human right and it should be accessible to everyone. Food is something you need for energy and to live. We will prioritize organizations that focus on families in shelters who are impacted by poverty. By the end of this process, we would like to see less people hungry and we specifically hope to have an impact on people in shelters and people who are struggling.

MISSION STATEMENT 29: We, the Period 7 AVID Class at Grant High School, will be granting money to organizations in the Portland Metro Area that support teen and young adult addiction and overdose prevention. We believe addiction is a disease with a lack of support and one of the biggest issues for teens and young adults today. We are excited to include organizations that offer prevention-focused education and harm reduction, especially regarding fentanyl, but also organizations that provide wrap-around services and housing to addicted or impacted teens and young adults. We hope to see fewer fentanyl overdoses, lower rates of teen addiction, and help to create a safer future for Portland teens.

MISSION STATEMENT 31: Our Period 3 Leadership Class at Grant High School is dedicated to supporting families in the Portland Metro Area who are facing financial challenges, particularly families with young children. Our mission is to provide essential care and resources (including medical/reproductive healthcare services, hygiene products, shelter/housing access, clothing and shoes, and food and water) for families so they can achieve stability and a better quality of life. We will prioritize organizations that support parents who are impacted by addiction. Driven by our personal experiences and deep commitment to making a positive impact, we aim to foster hope and create lasting change in our community.

MISSION STATEMENT 35: We are students at Hillsboro High School and a committee from the 6th Period Theory of Knowledge Class. We believe in supporting current victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse because they need a network of support to recover, heal, and thrive. This includes access to safe housing, medical care, counseling, and other resources. This group is underrepresented, and the seriousness of the issue is not adequately acknowledged by the community. By supporting survivors in the greater Portland Metro Area, we hope to contribute to building a community where everyone feels safe and protected.

MISSION STATEMENT 40: The CommuniCare Club at Lincoln High School will be granting money to organizations providing medical, menstrual, and childcare products to underserved communities in Portland and across rural Oregon. We believe people deserve the support to have their basic health and hygiene needs met. Access to more hygiene products will help improve people’s quality of life and relieve some financial stress that comes with getting access to these products. We will focus on organizations that provide hygiene, menstrual, and childcare products, with specific focus on supporting single-parent families. We would like to see all types of families have easy access to necessary products to live a healthy life.

MISSION STATEMENT 43: The students in Mr. Hooper’s 8th Period FLI Class at Lincoln High School have chosen to focus our Schnitzer Cares efforts on nonprofit organizations that improve the houselessness/homelessness crisis in Portland, Oregon. Our grantmaking process will benefit organizations that provide food, clothing, and safe shelter for young families in the metro area. We believe that with fewer unhoused families on our streets, the circumstances for these vulnerable members of our urban community will improve. We will prioritize organizations that advocate for these marginalized families. We also want to support these populations with access to education, nutrition, and hygiene products.

MISSION STATEMENT 50: The students of Ms. Wang’s 5th Period Freshman Leadership and Inquiry Class of Lincoln High School will be granting money to organizations helping to provide jobs for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Portland. We believe everyone, regardless of background, should be given jobs to benefit society and themselves. We will focus on organizations that clear previous records such as drug and alcohol misuse, teach people work ethic, and provide shelter for them until they can afford housing. We would like to see people experiencing homelessness given a pathway to re-enter the workforce of society and given jobs to eradicate the devastating situation of the Portland downtown area.

MISSION STATEMENT 51: We are Mr. Hunter's 7th Period Freshman Leadership and Inquiry Class at Lincoln High School. We will be granting money to organizations that provide housing assistance to families experiencing homelessness in the Portland Metro Area. We believe everyone deserves a place to call home. We will focus on organizations that help families find safe and secure housing.

MISSION STATEMENT 60: The CommuniCare Club at Pendleton High School will be granting money to organizations that focus on serving youth and families through drug rehabilitation, animal rescue and shelter, or shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Eastern Oregon. We believe our community and many others like it face problems like teen drug addiction, animals in dangerous environments, and/or need of shelter, all of which are ongoing problems in the Eastern Oregon community. We will focus on organizations that provide programs to help battle drug addiction, organizations that protect, rescue, and/or house pets, and organizations that provide shelter for homeless youth and families. We would like to see a reduction in addiction and overdose, especially in the teen demographic. We would also like to make a positive change in our community and help both humans and animals alike to have access to shelter.

MISSION STATEMENT 68: We are the 6th Period 10th grade AVID students at Tigard High School. As AVID 10 students, we are eager to learn, passionate, and open-minded. We are working with Schnitzer Cares to grant funding to organizations that provide housing and resources such as food, water, and addiction support, as well as education about healthy relationships, to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse within the Portland Metro Area, prioritizing Washington County. These organizations should help survivors find peace and safety from their abuse and trauma. We are passionate about this because many times survivors of abuse are held financially and emotionally hostage by their abuser, which leads to them staying in the vicious cycle of abuse. Our goal is to support organizations that provide dignity and help so that survivors feel safe, secure, and empowered. We would like to see less abuse, fewer survivors struggling with addiction or housing access, more people getting back on their feet, and survivors getting the chance to heal, allowing them the same opportunities as everyone else, and making sure they receive peace and justice. We want survivors to feel safe and be given the opportunity at a better life with an equal chance to succeed as they continue to heal.

MISSION STATEMENT 71: The Twality Middle School Schnitzer Cares Community will be granting money to nonprofits that support survivors of domestic and gun violence and their families in the Portland Metro Area. Everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest and feel safe and secure. We will focus on organizations that provide helplines or shelters, and we will prioritize those with accessible mental health services. We hope to see a decrease in violence and an increase in awareness of violence as a community issue so that everyone can share a greater feeling of security.

MISSION STATEMENT 75: The Intro to Leadership Class of Ida B. Wells High School would like to direct our Schnitzer Cares funding towards families in the Portland Metro Area struggling with poverty. Specifically, we would like to support nonprofit organizations that provide resources and support to local families struggling with housing instability. We are particularly interested in programs serving families with teens in their households. According to Portland.gov, "Half of all Portland renters are cost-burdened, paying over 30% of their income on rent. One in four pays over half their income on rent." We must take action to invest in programs that ensure housing resources are available to low-income households that can't keep up with growing expenses. We believe all families have a right to feel secure. Our goal is to help ensure that families in need are provided with resources so they can stay housed and stay together.

BIPOC Community (2)

MISSION STATEMENT 15: The Schnitzer Cares students of Cleveland’s Alliance for Racial Equity at Cleveland High School plan to grant funds to organizations that focus on supporting and hiring BIPOC educators, tutors, leaders, coaches, and mentors in the Portland Metro Area. BIPOC teachers specifically are found to have less support and are more isolated, creating disproportionate obstacles to overcome. In the US, students of color make up about 50% of all public school students, while teachers of color only make up 21% of public school teachers. In Portland, this ratio is even more disproportionate. It is a fact that having even one teacher of color from 1st to 12th grade has a tremendously positive impact on the future of minority students. All youth benefit from having educators with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Our goal is to support the furtherance of more diverse systems in Portland, especially related to education, and give students of color the opportunities they deserve for success.

MISSION STATEMENT 36: The Schnitzer Cares students, a part of Jefferson High School’s Black Student Union, will be granting money to organizations that provide prevention efforts and support to women of color affected by sexual assault or abuse in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Women of color, specifically black women, are more likely to face sexual assault and abuse in their lifetime. Sexual assault and abuse can often be normalized in these communities, so women of color don’t often feel they need support or that they can be supported. We would like to fund organizations with an aligned vision of sexual assault and abuse prevention and who offer services and support for those leaving a dangerous situation or being put in a dangerous situation. As students, we recognize the lack of acknowledgment of these issues. We will focus on organizations that support women of color dealing with abuse and assault and work to heal the negative effects on communities. We would like to see organizations focusing on tangible steps toward addressing this issue.

Domestic + Sexual Violence (19)

MISSION STATEMENT 14: The Building Consent Culture Class at Cleveland High School has chosen to focus our efforts on advocacy for violence prevention education and comprehensive sex education. We would like to prioritize organizations that advocate for quality education that includes learning about misogyny, gender socialization, gender justice, and equality. We acknowledge the stigma that exists surrounding discussions on these topics in schools, but we also have observed and benefitted from having safe spaces to openly talk and learn. We believe comprehensive sex education in and outside of school should be accessible to all and is a necessary step towards violence prevention. Through this, we hope to see a decrease in dating and relationship violence. We are open to nonprofits focused on any age demographics within the State of Oregon.

MISSION STATEMENT 18: We, the Student Council of David Douglas High School, in collaboration with Schnitzer Cares, will be granting money to organizations that provide access to medical and mental healthcare, prioritizing people impacted by domestic violence and gun violence, in the City of Portland. We believe the low-income citizens of our community should be able to acquire access to healthcare regardless of cost. We will focus on organizations that provide physical healthcare and preventive education specifically to victims of violence; as well as mental healthcare such as therapy and counseling. We would like to see debt relief for everyone and a decrease in the negative stigma associated with seeking help, in hopes to uplift individuals and create a safer community.

MISSION STATEMENT 20: The Schnitzer Cares students of Ms. Mack’s Link Crew Class at David Douglas High School will be granting money to organizations that seek to prevent domestic and sexual violence through support, resources, and comprehensive education within diverse communities of Multnomah County. We believe domestic and sexual violence is a major contributor to homelessness and has a great effect on everyone, regardless of housing status. We will focus on organizations that provide different types of hands-on therapy and additional educational resources on sexual health for youth and young adults (ages 10 to mid-20s), and we would like to see a sustained drop in sexual and domestic violence rates in Multnomah County.

MISSION STATEMENT 27: At Glencoe High School, we strive to tackle arguably the most pressing issue in the Portland Metro Area, houselessness. We’ve seen the repercussions of houselessness in community members, families, and students at our school. With this in mind, we recognize that houselessness can be accompanied by severe effects on those experiencing it, and therefore we will focus on nonprofits that provide services to address hunger and abuse among those who are houseless. We believe access to resources regarding houselessness shouldn't have barriers, and that this access can make all the difference in turning around someone's life. As a school, and as a Schnitzer Cares committee, our goal is to support local nonprofit organizations that seek to provide resources to all houseless people, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, income, or ability. We strive to offer our funds to nonprofits whose goal is to serve all people and to curb the negative effects of houselessness, providing hope to those in need in our greater community.

MISSION STATEMENT 30: We, the Period 8 AVID Class at Grant High School, will grant money to organizations in the Portland Metro Area that provide resources to those experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence. We believe people have the right to feel safe and comfortable in their homes. We will prioritize programs that focus on prevention and education, as well as programs that focus on teens and young adults. We hope our work might lead to more people feeling secure in their homes through reliable resources such as shelters and wrap-around services.

MISSION STATEMENT 35: We are students at Hillsboro High School and a committee from the 6th Period Theory of Knowledge Class. We believe in supporting current victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse because they need a network of support to recover, heal, and thrive. This includes access to safe housing, medical care, counseling, and other resources. This group is underrepresented, and the seriousness of the issue is not adequately acknowledged by the community. By supporting survivors in the greater Portland Metro Area, we hope to contribute to building a community where everyone feels safe and protected.

MISSION STATEMENT 36: The Schnitzer Cares students, a part of Jefferson High School’s Black Student Union, will be granting money to organizations that provide prevention efforts and support to women of color affected by sexual assault or abuse in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Women of color, specifically black women, are more likely to face sexual assault and abuse in their lifetime. Sexual assault and abuse can often be normalized in these communities, so women of color don’t often feel they need support or that they can be supported. We would like to fund organizations with an aligned vision of sexual assault and abuse prevention and who offer services and support for those leaving a dangerous situation or being put in a dangerous situation. As students, we recognize the lack of acknowledgment of these issues. We will focus on organizations that support women of color dealing with abuse and assault and work to heal the negative effects on communities. We would like to see organizations focusing on tangible steps toward addressing this issue.

MISSION STATEMENT 37: We are the International Human Rights Club at Jefferson High School. We are passionately committed to supporting survivors of domestic/sexual abuse, in addition to foster youth, in the Portland Metro Area. We have noticed a significant increase in crime rates and those affected may have trouble accessing essential resources and support, particularly individuals from communities of color. We’d like to focus on organizations that provide comprehensive medical and mental healthcare services to help these often-overlooked individuals rebuild their lives through compassionate care. We envision a better, brighter, safer society where we work together to create a positive change.

MISSION STATEMENT 52: The McDaniel High School Justice Lab Class is granting money to organizations that work within the Portland Metro Area. We work for the use of restorative justice methods in all environments and believe they are a necessary part of any healing process. Organizations that apply for our funding should uphold the same values. Organizations selected should serve to heal and give financial support to immigrant and refugee families, low-income single parents, and/or the transgender community. We also have a secondary focus on supporting anyone who has been harmed through domestic or sexual violence.

MISSION STATEMENT 57: We, the Schnitzer Cares students of Northwest Academy, have chosen to grant money to organizations in the Portland Metro Area providing mental healthcare to survivors of abuse. We recognize that abuse disproportionately affects those most vulnerable in society, and will give special attention to organizations serving marginalized peoples and those experiencing houselessness or housing instability. We believe these individuals and communities deserve dignity, respect, and the social and emotional resources required to not only survive, but also thrive. We chose this area of focus because we witness the ramifications of an inequitable healthcare system daily in our downtown Portland community, and would like to see our neighbors facing mental health challenges enjoy a more stable and safe life.

MISSION STATEMENT 62: The Philanthropy Class at Roosevelt High School will be supporting nonprofits that are working toward preventing violence in low-income communities because we know that violence is happening more often in areas where poverty is also a problem. We will prioritize organizations that focus on violence prevention, but we also want to support organizations that help people affected by violence and poverty. We hope our funds will support organizations that are impactful and beneficial to North Portland specifically, but we will also consider organizations working to reduce or prevent violence in downtown Portland. We hope our grantmaking work leads to a community that is kinder, safer, and more prosperous and where North Portlanders are not fearful or suffering.

MISSION STATEMENT 64: The 2nd Period Business Management Class at Roosevelt High School will be granting money to organizations providing services to survivors (or those at risk of) domestic violence in Portland, prioritizing North Portland. We recognize the increasing amount of domestic violence and we don't want victims to feel alone. Our goal in this program is to support organizations that provide hotlines for domestic violence, try to prevent family separations, work to decrease the number of victims of abuse, and provide safe spaces for survivors, as well as ensuring safety and anonymity for both survivors and reporters. We hope that with this help, we will see a decrease in the number of victims in abusive or violent relationships and homes, an increase in people feeling safer reporting the abuse, and survivors thriving in a safe place away from the abuse.

MISSION STATEMENT 65: Seaside High School Key Club will be granting money to organizations in Clatsop County and the local community. We will be giving our money to nonprofits that support survivors of domestic abuse and nonprofits that provide mental health services. We believe these challenges are directly related and they are both extremely large problems that need to be addressed. From this money, we would like to see individuals who have directly been helped or impacted through the programs and services provided to them.

MISSION STATEMENT 67: The St. Mary’s Academy Pink Chapter of Schnitzer Cares will be granting money to organizations serving women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence within the Portland Metro Area. At St. Mary’s Academy, we practice a dedication to women and children as part of our SNJM charism. We recognize that domestic and sexual violence is experienced regardless of age, race, class, and gender identity, but seek to support organizations that address the disproportionate occurrence of this violence towards women and children. We believe access to safe spaces and personal autonomy are universal rights and that sexual and domestic abuse deprives women and children of those rights. We will focus on organizations that provide safe spaces and address the medical, social, and emotional needs of survivors. Through uplifting these organizations that focus on responsive care, we hope to see more women and children reclaim their right to live safely and independently.

MISSION STATEMENT 68: We are the 6th Period 10th grade AVID students at Tigard High School. As AVID 10 students, we are eager to learn, passionate, and open-minded. We are working with Schnitzer Cares to grant funding to organizations that provide housing and resources such as food, water, and addiction support, as well as education about healthy relationships, to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse within the Portland Metro Area, prioritizing Washington County. These organizations should help survivors find peace and safety from their abuse and trauma. We are passionate about this because many times survivors of abuse are held financially and emotionally hostage by their abuser, which leads to them staying in the vicious cycle of abuse. Our goal is to support organizations that provide dignity and help so that survivors feel safe, secure, and empowered. We would like to see less abuse, fewer survivors struggling with addiction or housing access, more people getting back on their feet, and survivors getting the chance to heal, allowing them the same opportunities as everyone else, and making sure they receive peace and justice. We want survivors to feel safe and be given the opportunity at a better life with an equal chance to succeed as they continue to heal.

MISSION STATEMENT 70: The CommuniCare students at Tualatin High School, in partnership with Schnitzer Cares, will be granting money to organizations focusing on domestic violence. We will focus on victims of domestic violence who are struggling to leave their abusive environments in the Portland Metro Area. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, “On a single day in 2020, domestic violence hotlines received 21,321 calls, an average of almost 15 calls every minute." To combat this, we will seek to fund organizations which provide the necessary resources to aid people seeking help in order to leave their abusive situations. We will prioritize organizations with programs designed to support people in need, such as anonymous hotlines and immediately accessible transition support. We value the safety of our community members and believe no one should be stuck in an unsafe environment because they lack the necessary resources and support to leave.

MISSION STATEMENT 71: The Twality Middle School Schnitzer Cares Community will be granting money to nonprofits that support survivors of domestic and gun violence and their families in the Portland Metro Area. Everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest and feel safe and secure. We will focus on organizations that provide helplines or shelters, and we will prioritize those with accessible mental health services. We hope to see a decrease in violence and an increase in awareness of violence as a community issue so that everyone can share a greater feeling of security.

MISSION STATEMENT 72: The CommuniCare students of Umatilla High School are committed to supporting organizations that address domestic violence, while recognizing its connection to houselessness. We believe that by empowering survivors with resources and services, we can help them achieve stability and prevent future housing crises. Our mission is to improve community support systems that provide safe housing and comprehensive services, ultimately leading to a decrease in both domestic violence and houselessness in the City of Umatilla and the neighboring communities.

MISSION STATEMENT 77: The Weston-McEwen High School Schnitzer Cares group’s mission is to grant funds to organizations that provide rehabilitative support for those in our locality subjected to addiction, domestic and sexual abuse, or those who are struggling with mental health conditions. Our group is interested in primarily focusing on organizations that will benefit the larger Athena-Weston communities, especially adolescents and young adults. We recognize the demand for these services and have experienced and witnessed first-hand the benefits of receiving them, as well as the consequences of the lack thereof. These services include, but are not limited to, the provision of transportation to resources or service providers in a different location, connections and funding for families or groups who are in need, or groups looking to disseminate information on these topics. The WMHS Schnitzer Cares team strongly believes in the importance of receiving quality care that allows individuals receiving it to feel safe, secure, and confident in what they are acquiring, as well as keeping those around us well-informed and connected.

Eastern Oregon (5)

MISSION STATEMENT 33: The Hermiston High School Key Club is excited to participate in the 2024-2025 Schnitzer Cares program. Our committee has dedicated this year's mission to creating a positive impact for immigrants and refugees of all ages. We will prioritize organizations in the Hermiston, Stanfield, and Umatilla areas, but we would be happy to consider organizations serving other Eastern Oregon communities. We are particularly interested in hearing from organizations that specialize in bringing immigrants and refugees access to medical care, language and translation services, and citizenship services. The committee at the Hermiston High School Key Club firmly believes in providing immigrants and refugees with access to the services and unwavering support that they need to thrive in their communities.

MISSION STATEMENT 56: This year the Nixyáawii Schnitzer Cares Chapter will work to combat the historical trauma and resulting mental health crisis that has contributed to alcohol and substance abuse for generations. This topic is important to us as student leaders because we see our community struggling with these health issues and we intend to break the cycle. Our efforts will focus on organizations working within Umatilla County.

MISSION STATEMENT 60: The CommuniCare Club at Pendleton High School will be granting money to organizations that focus on serving youth and families through drug rehabilitation, animal rescue and shelter, or shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Eastern Oregon. We believe our community and many others like it face problems like teen drug addiction, animals in dangerous environments, and/or need of shelter, all of which are ongoing problems in the Eastern Oregon community. We will focus on organizations that provide programs to help battle drug addiction, organizations that protect, rescue, and/or house pets, and organizations that provide shelter for homeless youth and families. We would like to see a reduction in addiction and overdose, especially in the teen demographic. We would also like to make a positive change in our community and help both humans and animals alike to have access to shelter.

MISSION STATEMENT 72: The CommuniCare students of Umatilla High School are committed to supporting organizations that address domestic violence, while recognizing its connection to houselessness. We believe that by empowering survivors with resources and services, we can help them achieve stability and prevent future housing crises. Our mission is to improve community support systems that provide safe housing and comprehensive services, ultimately leading to a decrease in both domestic violence and houselessness in the City of Umatilla and the neighboring communities.

MISSION STATEMENT 77: The Weston-McEwen High School Schnitzer Cares group’s mission is to grant funds to organizations that provide rehabilitative support for those in our locality subjected to addiction, domestic and sexual abuse, or those who are struggling with mental health conditions. Our group is interested in primarily focusing on organizations that will benefit the larger Athena-Weston communities, especially adolescents and young adults. We recognize the demand for these services and have experienced and witnessed first-hand the benefits of receiving them, as well as the consequences of the lack thereof. These services include, but are not limited to, the provision of transportation to resources or service providers in a different location, connections and funding for families or groups who are in need, or groups looking to disseminate information on these topics. The WMHS Schnitzer Cares team strongly believes in the importance of receiving quality care that allows individuals receiving it to feel safe, secure, and confident in what they are acquiring, as well as keeping those around us well-informed and connected.

Elders (1)

MISSION STATEMENT 4: The Advanced Leadership students at Benson Polytechnic High School will be awarding grants to nonprofits that provide medical aid to underserved populations in the Portland Metro Area, including seniors, immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum. We want to contribute to providing better access to medical support and bill relief. We firmly believe individuals should be given the right to receive medical access regardless of race, age, gender, or legal status. Due to the fact that more than 12,000 underserved Oregonians will need to find new medical coverage for 2025, our goal is to see that nonprofits ensure equitable access to healthcare and do not discriminate or deny care to anyone in need.

Employment Services + Career Training (2)

MISSION STATEMENT 50: The students of Ms. Wang’s 5th Period Freshman Leadership and Inquiry Class of Lincoln High School will be granting money to organizations helping to provide jobs for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Portland. We believe everyone, regardless of background, should be given jobs to benefit society and themselves. We will focus on organizations that clear previous records such as drug and alcohol misuse, teach people work ethic, and provide shelter for them until they can afford housing. We would like to see people experiencing homelessness given a pathway to re-enter the workforce of society and given jobs to eradicate the devastating situation of the Portland downtown area.

MISSION STATEMENT 66: The St. Mary’s Academy Green Chapter of Schnitzer Cares will grant funds to organizations supporting immigrant and refugee families experiencing both visible and invisible houselessness in the Portland Metropolitan Area. As students in downtown Portland, we see and acknowledge that houselessness profoundly affects people and the community. We recognize that experiencing houselessness actively decreases one’s access to medical assistance, job opportunities, and food security. Our chapter hopes to fund nonprofits that provide caseworkers for each family so the families they serve feel supported and safe as they transition into stable housing. Through supporting these organizations, we hope to not only provide immigrant and refugee families with connections that reaffirm their humanity and dignity, but also support them in securing affordable housing and transition support.

Environment (3)

MISSION STATEMENT 22: The Forest Grove Schnitzer Cares Committee has chosen to support organizations that serve to fight food insecurity in Washington County, specifically those that prioritize supporting adolescents. Our group has found that food insecurity is something we see around us, and we want to help combat it by helping fund organizations that utilize food that may have gone to waste. Our mission is to make people feel confident in where they will get their next meal and make a difference in ending food waste. Food is a basic human right that everyone should have access to.

MISSION STATEMENT 28: The Grant High School Schnitzer Cares: Student Grantmaking Club will be granting funds to organizations providing access to nutritious foods for individuals experiencing either houselessness or housing insecurity in the Portland Metro Area. We decided on this service area given the importance of nutrition for overall health and well-being. Emphasis will be on organizations that work to provide longer-term food security and make considerations for minimizing food waste. Additional prioritization will be given to groups that provide groceries to those experiencing housing insecurity. We believe all people are entitled to food that nourishes their bodies and that access to adequate quality and quantity of food should not be a barrier to an individual’s well-being.

MISSION STATEMENT 45: Mr. Hervey’s 6th Period FLI Class at Lincoln High School will be granting funds to organizations that provide food and nutrition access to students and families in the Portland Metro Area who are experiencing food insecurity. We believe food is a human right and the people of Portland should not struggle with food accessibility. Food can help students focus better in school, and food also helps support people’s mental health. We will be focusing on organizations that offer services such as free food markets, food banks, and meal services and programs, and we will prioritize nonprofits working to reduce food waste. We hope to see food being more accessible to students and families in our community while putting forth our best effort to reduce food waste.

Food Access (17)