All media inquiries should be directed to
Lisa Manning
(503) 249-1721 x241
lisam@selfenhancement.org

MISSION
Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full 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.

WHO WE SERVE
• Over 2300 young people (ages 8-25) and families;
• Over 50% of SEI students are from single parent homes living below the poverty line;
• 90% of SEI students are from North and Northeast Portland neighborhoods; and
• SEI’s student population is 85% African American, 6% Hispanic, 1% Asian, 4% Caucasian, less than 1% Native American, and 3% mixed heritage.

WHAT WE DO
• In-School Services (academic mentoring and tutoring) in eleven Portland Public Schools (Elementary: Boise-Eliot, Humboldt, Vernon and Woodlawn; Middle: Beaumont, Ockley Green, Tubman and the SEI Academy; High Schools: Benson, Grant, and Jefferson).

• After-School Programming at the Center for Self Enhancement and in the above schools.

• Academic Summer Program for six-weeks and multiple one-week basketball camps.

• Culturally competent support services for African American students throughout Multnomah County.

• Post high school mentoring and support for college and technical training.

• Family Resource Services including parenting classes, counseling, Youth Investment, Family Enhancement, Ready-to-Rent programs, Energy Assistance, domestic violence assistance and advocacy, and other family resource training.

• The SEI Academy Charter Middle School for 6th through 8th graders.

SEI’S KEYS TO SUCCESS
• We start working with kids when they’re young (age 8)
• We’re comprehensive and consistent
• We involve parents
• We build long-term relationships
• We give kids options for success
• We’re a grass-roots organization with a culturally appropriate solution.
• We’re an organization founded on respect and integrity.

RESULTS
• Over two-thirds of SEI’s participants improve their school attendance, grades and behavior.
• SEI is a national model of youth violence prevention. Based on a 3-year evaluation by the US Centers for Disease Control, SEI ranked at the top of 12 similar programs around the nation for success in preventing youth violence.
• 98% of SEI high school freshmen graduate from high school compared to 64% of Jefferson High School freshmen. 85% of SEI students go on to college.
• We expect all SEI students to become positive, contributing citizens.