PPB Video Highlights Sunshine Division Student Partnership

The Portland Police Bureau-supported Sunshine Division and De La Salle North Catholic High School are showcasing the impact of their partnership through the school's Corporate Work Study (CWS) program, which provides students with hands-on professional experience while supporting organizations that serve the community.

PPB produced a new video highlighting the partnership and the positive impact it has on both students and the Sunshine Division, a nonprofit that provides immediate food relieve to Portland metro families and individuals in need.

Founded in 2001, De La Salle North Catholic High School combines college-preparatory education with real-world job experience through its unique CWS program. Dozens of corporate and nonprofit partners throughout the Portland metropolitan area employ students in entry-level positions, helping them build valuable workplace skills while preparing for college and future careers.

For Sunshine Division, the partnership supports its mission while giving students the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their community.

"It's full circle for me," said PPB Officer Rashida Saunders. "I was a kid, raised by a single mom, and we relied heavily on food boxes. So the fact that I'm able to provide emergency food assistance to my community-the same community I grew up in-and I get to do that now with students from the same high school that I graduated from, it's really amazing and an honor."

"It's probably my favorite Corporate Work Study program I've done," added De La Salle student Luis Rojas. "This is the most hands-on it's been. Afterwards I always feel grateful I was able to help and be able to give out the boxes of food. It's just really nice."

The partnership demonstrates how investing in young people benefits the entire community by creating career opportunities while supporting Sunshine Division's mission of serving neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

###PPB###