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Nov 17, 2017

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Legacy: Lee & Jackie Jackson

Stepping into the shoes of visionary leaders isn’t easy. Indeed, my six years at the helm of Saturday Academy has not diminished my awe of my predecessors and my fear of not living up to what they created. This was a bittersweet week. I attended the memorial service of Lee Jackson. Jackie Jackson was the visionary who started Saturday Academy with Gail Whitney 35 years ago. Lee was her husband. Lee and his children, Karen, Phil and Jennifer have continuously supported Saturday Academy and for so many years long after Jackie was no longer with us.

Nov 14, 2017

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AmerCorps VISTA: A Year at Saturday Academy

A blank slate of possibility lay before me exactly one year ago this time. I moved to Portland to serve as the Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator for Saturday Academy and was tasked with creating a new program. To say I explored my curiosity is an understatement! Not only did I explore the possibilities with Saturday Academy, I learned the ins and outs of a different city, navigated an unfamiliar workplace and moved through the systems of the Corporation for National Service.

Nov 8, 2017

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Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Hamilton

As a former engineer, I have been volunteering at the Saturday Academy office for a year. Most of what I do is help the busy staff members accomplish their goals, especially on computer work, which gives me a great feeling of accomplishment. Occasionally I help out in the community at schools, open houses and conferences, which is perfect because I get to see why we are here and find out about the remarkable students we are helping to educate.

Nov 1, 2017

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How we determine where we hold classes

“Why do you hold your classes where you do?” I get this question all the time. So here’s the scoop. We hold our open enrollment classes where we find a welcome host, where facilities meet the needs of the classes (particularly computer or science labs), are in key areas of the community to maximize access for kids (e.g.

Oct 20, 2017

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Celebrating 35 years of Saturday Academy

In 1983, Jackie Jackson and Gail Whitney founded Saturday Academy with the goal of inspiring students to follow their curiosity in science and technology. Both educators in Portland, they left their mainstream jobs to develop an innovative program designed to connect middle-school students with community professionals interested in sharing their passion with youth. The focus: hands-on, in-depth learning opportunities for any motivated student. Income, race or gender was not to be a barrier.