Bringing Learning into the Community

Summer is in full swing, and Greater Than is out in the community. From our weekly Bookmobile to college campus visits and enrichment programs, our team and the students we serve are making the most of the season. Here is a look at what is happening this summer.

Story time at Fair Acres apartments during Greater Than's first Bookmobile of the summer.

Bookmobile Is Back

Greater Than's Bookmobile kicked off last week, and we are so excited to be back in the community. Each week this summer, our team heads out to apartment complexes and neighborhood gathering spots across Rockwood, bringing books, fresh produce, school supplies, and live readings and performances directly to students and families.

Every student who visits goes home with culturally affirming, dual-language books, fresh produce and pantry staples, information on community resources, and school supplies to help them prepare for the year ahead.

Bookmobile is one of the most joyful parts of our summer, and one of the most important. It keeps students connected to reading, connects families to resources, and keeps Greater Than present in the community all summer long.

Incoming freshmen explore the campus at Willamette University during one of the college visits this month.

Seeing the Future Up Close

This month, Greater Than's incoming high school freshmen spent several days visiting some incredible places across the region. The group visited East Multnomah County Library, Willamette University, PCC Cascade, Oregon State University, Western Oregon University, and the University of Portland, wrapping up with a trip to Multnomah Falls.

These experiences are a cornerstone of how Greater Than builds a college-going culture. Visiting college campuses gives students the chance to see themselves as college students long before they ever have to apply. For students who will be the first in their families to attend college, that kind of early exposure helps make a future that might feel distant start to feel possible.

Backpack Drive for Alder Students

Emilio Inc. is hosting a Back Drive for Alder Elementary students, and Greater Than is proud to be a partner. Emilio Inc. is an organization honoring the memory of Emilio Hoffman and dedicated to youth safety and wellbeing in our community. Together, we want to make sure every Alder student starts the school year with a brand new backpack and the supplies they need to succeed.

You can support Emilio Inc.'s Backpack Drive by ordering directly from our Amazon Wishlist. Items ship straight to Alder Elementary, so getting supplies to students is as easy as a few clicks. Please order by August 24th so everything arrives in time.

Every backpack makes a difference. Thank you for supporting our students.

Questions? blancaj@greater-than.org

Look for us in Willamette Week's Give!Guide

We are thrilled to announce that Greater Than has been selected to participate in Willamette Week's Give!Guide for 2026! Out of 409 applications for 125 spots, Greater Than was chosen as part of a highly competitive selection process. We are honored to be included alongside so many outstanding local nonprofits.

Give!Guide is Portland metro's largest end-of-year giving campaign, running November 1 through December 31. Since 2004, the campaign has raised more than $73 million for local nonprofits, and last year alone raised nearly $9 million from more than 16,000 donors.

We will be sharing more details about how you can get involved when the campaign launches in November. In the meantime, you can support our work year-round by making a gift today.

Together, we are Greater Than.