Hacienda CDC opens three free Portland-area learning and innovation centers for youth and adults

The cutting-edge, community-driven Verizon Community Forward initiative creates opportunities for digital access and workforce development, STEM education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial learning               

 PORTLAND, Ore., December 1, 2022 — Adults and youth in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland are experiencing new and vital connections to cutting-edge technology, STEM education, and career development opportunities with three community-driven learning centers opening today.

The new centers were created by Verizon in partnership with Hacienda CDC to remove barriers between low-income Portlanders and the tech resources they need to succeed in a digital world. These learning and innovation hubs are designed for all ages, with high-speed internet access, advanced technology, and educational and career programming.

Hacienda CDC and Verizon were joined by Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio and guests at the grand opening celebration held at the Verizon Community Forward New Columbia Learning Center on the New Columbia campus of Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center & Rosemary Anderson High School (POIC & RAHS).

"So many families across the nation long for access to the technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” says Rudy Reyes, West Region Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Verizon. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to partner with Hacienda and Portland leaders to enable youth and adults to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future."

Hacienda CDC — In partnership with Verizon, was selected to support the development of      three learning centers in Portland. Open to students, community members and the public, the centers are located in remodeled spaces at Hacienda’s headquarters in Cully, Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus, in addition to the New Columbia campus.

“More than 60% of the families Hacienda serves in its affordable housing and programs access the internet only through their smartphones. That’s a huge barrier when you’re trying to participate in school, fill out a job application, or manage your business only through your phone,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC. “Latinos, who are a large portion of families served by Hacienda, are among the communities who are under-resourced when it comes to technology. They make up only 8% of STEM workers despite being 18.5% of the U.S. population.” 

Known for developing affordable housing throughout metro Portland, Hacienda takes a holistic approach to building communities that goes beyond housing. The new Verizon Community Forward Learning Centers exemplify how Hacienda’s programs and pathways remove barriers to education, careers, and wealth building for low-income families — especially for Latinos and communities of color who historically have been shut out of opportunities.

 "I’m committed to closing the digital divide — especially in underserved communities where we see access to technology and tech education is much lower than other communities,” said Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio,” I commend Hacienda for its commitment to ensuring that all Portlanders — especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities and those living with disabilities — have access to government, and a voice in determining their own lives."

The COVID pandemic has only magnified the barriers that low-income households face — like not having internet at home or laptops, desktops and tablets — which unfairly limit their opportunities to succeed at school and at work.

The Verizon Community Forward Learning Centers are helping Hacienda remove those barriers with advanced tech including laptops, tablets, desktops, 3D printers, audio/video recording tools, and more. These resources are coupled with programming offered through partners like Oregon State University, Free Geek and Day One Tech that will help community members use the space and launch opportunities — whether that’s learning to use a computer, developing critical STEM skills and connections to secondary education, or launching a new career or small business.

Schools and community groups who want to use the learning centers can stay tuned to future learning center events at haciendacdc.org/events. For more information on each learning center, visit haciendacdc.org/community.

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About Verizon    

Citizen Verizon is the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. Citizen Verizon empowers Verizon to deliver on its mission to move the world forward through action by expanding digital access and resources, protecting the climate, and ensuring people have the skills needed for jobs of the future. Through Citizen Verizon, and the key pillars of Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection and Human Prosperity, the company's responsible business goals include providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030, supporting 1 million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030, achieving net zero emissions in its operations by 2035, and preparing 500,000 individuals for jobs of the future by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.      

About Hacienda CDC

Hacienda CDC was formed in 1986 to provide necessary housing and supportive services in NE Portland’s Cully neighborhood. At that time, Cully was home to the largest Latino population in Oregon. Since then, Hacienda has grown to provide affordable housing in 10 communities in Northwest Oregon and provide supportive services to over 1500 individuals, children, and families.

As Portland’s Latino population has grown rapidly, Hacienda continues building capacity to offer our bicultural services to Latinos and other low-income families. Hacienda embraces a holistic approach, providing culturally specific services that provide opportunities to access needed resources like growing or starting a business, and buying a first home. Hacienda is Oregon’s largest Latino-led, Latino-serving housing organization and remains a trusted name in the community.