Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI)

About

Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is Oregon’s largest African-American-led nonprofit organization with an integrated approach to youth development, family strengthening, and promotion of the community-wide values and assets needed to overcome educational, racial, economic, and other barriers. SEI has been providing services for over 37 years and currently serves over 14,500 students and families each year from 111 Zip codes in Oregon and Washington.

SEI is nationally recognized for providing a culturally specific comprehensive approach to youth (in-school, after-school, and post-secondary);
and SEI’s Community and Family Programs (anti-poverty, family stabilization, and employment services).

Historically, SEI has taken an upstream approach in its work. It was founded on the belief that a quality education embedded in an environment of strong social support could lead to better socioeconomic outcomes for youth living in at-risk and impoverished communities. Over the years this approach has proven successful. With a 97% graduation rate and 85% of graduates continuing on to pursue higher education or occupational training, SEI youth are on track to break the multi-generational pattern of poverty within their families.