Self Enhancement, Inc.

Mission

Self Enhancement, Inc. is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential. Working with schools, families, and community partners, SEI provides support, guidance, and opportunities to achieve personal and academic success. SEI brings hope to individual young people and enhances the quality of community life.

Bottom Line for Portland

SEI is Oregon’s largest African American-led multi-service agency, serving 17,000 participants each year through our continuum of services. SEI has deep connections to the community and a proven track record, with 98% of students graduating high school and 85% enrolling in post-secondary education. SEI’s support to community members extends beyond high school: we have also awarded nearly $7.5M in scholarships for attending college and vocational schools, we’ve secured apprenticeships for participants, and in 2024 we co-developed three affordable housing residences – all to help local families build intergenerational health and wealth.

Quote

“Walking through SEI’s doors enlightened me. I was exposed to excellence as I saw people of color walking in their purpose and excelling in a way that I had never seen before. This exposure was so monumental for me because I saw myself in them. From that moment I knew, I could choose what being a young Black woman in this world meant.” 

• - SEI Student

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

SEI is a comprehensive, one-stop resource for African American youth and families and others seeking culturally responsive services. SEI’s work centers and amplifies the diverse voices, talents, and aspirations of students, families, and individuals as decision makers in their lives, neighborhoods, schools, and the wider community. 

Incentives

→ Give $25 or more to SEI and receive a $10 off code for Fried Egg I’m in Love! 

→ Give $25 or more to SEI and get a buy one/get one free code for Crisp Salads!

→ Give $40 or more to SEI for a complimentary drop-in class pass to Flow in the City!

→ First 10 donors to give $200 or more to SEI will receive 2 passes for the show of your choice at Wonder Ballroom!

Partner(s)

Special thanks to our partners at Crisp Salads, Flow in the City, Fried Egg I’m in Love, Wonder Ballroom and ¿Por Qué No? for supporting SEI's youth and families!