With SEI, “If you really want to change, you have the ability and support.”

From an early age, Roderick Edwards was familiar with drug abuse and gangs. He would often accompany his mother to Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and the murder of a gang-involved middle school friend made a deep impression on him. He was determined to take a different path.

Roderick heard that SEI offered North Portland students new opportunities in life. With SEI’s after school tutoring, Roderick raised his grades substantially, excelling so rapidly in all areas that he earned the title of “Mr. SEI” in his first year.

SEI provided Roderick with the positive male role models he needed and opened doors to travel and college, taking Roderick on their annual Black College Tour. With strong support from SEI and glimpses of other African American students succeeding in college, Roderick dreamed big. He applied for and received many scholarships and attended Willamette University, graduating with a degree in sociology.

Eight summers spent coaching in SEI’s programs helped Roderick realize he wanted to help young people. He now works as a group life coordinator for youth in the state correctional system and a mentor for Project JEM, teaching young people self-discipline — and sometimes a few break dance moves. He says that the message he got from SEI is, “If you really want to change, you have the ability and support.” Now he is passing that message on to a new generation.

For more stories, click here.
To return to SEI's home page, click here.