Just like the children we serve, The Shadow Project is growing, evolving and achieving goals that once seemed impossible. The Shadow Project was founded in 1997 when a mother realized that with some extra encouragement, her son, struggling in school because of his learning disabilities, could become a courageous learner. The volunteer-run program started with 40 kids in two Portland classrooms and grew organically over the years. But we knew that we could do more.

Read more from Board President Megan Leftwich

The Shadow Project is proud to be a nonprofit partner chosen for Portland Public Schools’ Action Research Partnership, which launched last month in five high needs schools. The goal is to ensure that all children read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade, which dramatically increases their likelihood of high school graduation. At an August kick-off event at Rosa Parks School, Shadow staff encouraged students to write their goals and accomplishments, and post them in the cafeteria for all to see. Through this early literacy partnership, Shadow is teaming with special education teachers and speech language pathologist to help 275 struggling students to unleash their potential for learning.

Read more about our new services to engage students

Every kid has a hero. The students at Marysville School had the opportunity to hang out with theirs when 60 players from the PSU Vikings football team descended on the school to set goals with students in The Shadow Project and their peers. This was the third and LARGEST visit from the team that began last year, thanks to Shadow Project’s sponsor MassMutual. Check out our exciting footage of the event. The players, several of whom have ADHD and related conditions, shared their stories of struggle and success, building great connections with our kids along the way.

Read more about Shadow’s plan to expand its Role Model program

We are grateful for our generous contributors: Vibrant Village Foundation’s second year of support is continuing to transform our program and expand to additional high needs schools. The Nike Employee Grant Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation is funding a new role model program that brings our special education students face to face with teenagers like them who are on track to graduate. Safeco Insurance, through its Education Initiative, has awarded Shadow a fourth consecutive year of operating support. And Target, through its Early Childhood Reading Grant, is making it possible for us to provide our unique Reading Kits at upcoming Family Literacy Nights.

Read more about these recent supporters