Multilingual Multicultural Center, Portland Public Schools

Portland Public Schools' Multilingual & Multicultural Center provides support for multilingual students and their families through registration assistance for new students, language access for families who need translation and interpretation services, parent orientation sessions for new arrivals to the United States, parent workshop sessions, Parent University, and Make It Happen - an academic and college readiness program for immigrant students.

• Family Welcome Center – The Multilingual and Multicultural Center accommodates the unique needs of immigrant and refugee families in Portland by providing a centralized system of registration to ensure data information accuracy, language proficiency assessment, and health screening, adequately preparing each student to succeed in Portland Public Schools. 

• Language Access - A talented team of bilingual and bicultural Family and Community Engagement Specialists provide outreach and services for limited English-speaking parents through a variety of ways, including translation and interpretation services and Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings. Language access staff include an onsite social worker and resource coordinator who provide support to students and their families, maintain a well stocked pantry with culturally appropriate food, and provide community outreach through a variety of engagement activities. 

• Make It Happen (MIH) – is a college readiness program that helps immigrant students build competitive academic profiles for college admission and financial aid. Site Coordinators at each of our three high schools, help students take challenging classes, improve their standardized test scores, develop competitive college applications, and engage in leadership, community service, and civic engagement.

• Students are paired with Academic Coaches, who meet weekly throughout the school year to provide homework support, reading and writing enrichment, math and science tutoring, college essay writing and application support, and activities that promote critical thinking, goal setting, and organizational skills.

• Academic Coaches are volunteers from the community. While there are some Academic Coaches who return year after year, each year there is an opportunity for us to welcome new volunteer Academic Coaches! The program relies heavily on the dedication and commitment to volunteers. 

• Make It Happen, Middle School (MIHM) - is an academic readiness program for immigrant students in grades 6-8 to prepare them for the rigors of secondary school. Site Coordinators located at King, Lincoln, and Lyman Moore Middle Schools, pair Academic Coaches, who meet weekly throughout the school year to provide homework support, reading and writing enrichment, math and science tutoring, and more. 

• Academic Coaches are volunteers from the community. While there are some Academic Coaches who return year after year, each year there is an opportunity for us to welcome new volunteer Academic Coaches! The program relies heavily on the dedication and commitment to volunteers.