This spring, Catholic Charities of Oregon was honored to receive three grants through the Schnitzer Cares Student Grantmaking Program, an innovative initiative that puts philanthropy directly into the hands of local high school students. The grants will support Immigration Legal Services and Refugee Services programs that help individuals and families build stability, safety and opportunity across Oregon.
For nearly three decades, the Schnitzer Cares Student Grantmaking Program has empowered students to raise funds and invest directly in nonprofits serving their communities. This year, students from Cleveland High School, McDaniel High School and Tigard High School selected Catholic Charities of Oregon as a grant recipient.
The student-led program gives young people the opportunity to review nonprofit applications, discuss community needs and help direct funding toward causes they care about most.
According to Kristen Engfors-Boess, Program Director for Schnitzer Cares Student Grantmaking, the experience helps students build confidence while learning how to advocate for their communities.
“You really get this enormous rush of hope and confidence,” Engfors-Boess said. “Young people have always pushed us forward as a society, but now we’re offering them opportunities to practice these muscles early and often, so when they take next steps, they’re comfortable at the table and ready to advocate for what they care about.”
This year, many student groups showed a strong interest in supporting immigrants, refugees and legal services organizations. One student grantmaker shared during the awards ceremony that their group selected Catholic Charities because they wanted to support organizations helping families navigate complex immigration systems while creating safer, more welcoming communities.
Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Families
Catholic Charities received three grants through the program:
- $6,500 from Cleveland High School Intro to Leadership students to support Immigration Legal Services
- $2,500 from McDaniel High School’s Launched Class to support immigrant and refugee family services
- $3,500 from Tigard High School Madio’s 10th Grade AVID class to support Community and Refugee Services
Together, the grants will help Catholic Charities continue providing legal guidance, case management and support services for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers across the Portland metro area.
“At ILS, we see every day how access to quality legal representation can change the trajectory of an entire family,” said John Herrera, Director of Immigration Legal Services. “Schnitzer Cares’ investment helps us stand alongside immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers as they pursue safety, stability and the opportunity to build a future with dignity.”
Claudia Munoz, Program Director of Community and Refugee Services, said the grants reflect the impact young people can have when they invest in their communities.
“This grant will help us serve refugee families with greater stability and hope,” Munoz said. “We are proud to recognize the young people whose fundraising efforts made this support possible and whose service reflects the best of community leadership.”
Investing in the Future
This year, the Schnitzer Cares Student Grantmaking Program included 41 schools and 65 student groups across Oregon, with students organizing creative fundraising efforts alongside the grant review process.
Engfors-Boess said the experience often leaves a lasting impact on the students themselves.
“When people find out about the program, they’re often surprised it’s been around for nearly 30 years,” she said. “But most people in Oregon are only a few degrees separated from a student grantmaker.”
Catholic Charities of Oregon is deeply grateful to the students, educators and Schnitzer Cares staff whose generosity and leadership are helping strengthen support systems for immigrant and refugee families throughout our community.