Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) serves primarily African-American youth (ages 8 – 25) and their families in Portland, Oregon, with in-school, after-school, summer, and post-secondary programs to help them reach their full potential. SEI’s program model, centered on staff becoming a “parent, mentor, and instructor” to each youth participant, is long-term and intensive; coordinators stay with youth from 2nd grade to age 25. Through this combination of comprehensive services that include in-school case management, parent involvement, mentoring, and tutoring assistance, SEI enables youth to succeed academically, gain entrance to post-secondary education, and obtain sustainable employment.

Internal performance tracking shows promising results, with two-thirds of participants improving attendance, grades, and school behavior. Ninety-eight percent of participants graduate high school, of which 85% go on to postsecondary education. Self Enhancement, Inc. is currently undergoing a quasiexperimental comparison group evaluation, conducted by the University of Oregon, to demonstrate the core program’s effectiveness.

Youth Served

Total Revenue (in millions)

Outcomes: Number of Students Graduating High School

*Actual figure (2008 and beyond are projected targets)

**2007 target was 90%; SEI exceeded projections.

Outcomes: Employment and Education

*Actual figure (2008 and beyond are projected targets)

**2007 target was 90%; SEI proceeded projections.

Performance: School Attendance

*Actual figure (2008 and beyond are projected targets)