Here for Portland: Students learn how they can help downtown

The thousands of students and employees who are returning to Portland State’s downtown campus this week are welcome customers at the many small businesses that struggled to stay open during the quietest days of the pandemic. 

A new partnership with a tech company, several nonprofit organizations and the city of Portland is looking to make the return to campus even more impactful — while putting money in the pockets of students. 

The initiative — called Here for Portland, Downtown — will introduce students to local restaurants and retail businesses whose livelihoods and workforces have been hit hard by the pandemic, including local businesses owned by low-income entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color.

Students can be involved in two ways: 

• Six hundred students will receive $50 in gift credits through the Kuto payment app that can be used for making purchases from participating downtown businesses. 
• In addition, up to 30 students will be hired for paid, part-time internships at local businesses, through the PSU Career Center. 

The two programs are funded by federal grants through Worksystems, Portland’s workforce development organization. 

PSU partnered with Worksystems through its involvement in the Portland Action Tables – a group of more than 200 community members dedicated to championing Portland’s future. Here for Portland, Downtown is bolstered by the City of Portland, Worksystems, Portland State, Prosper Portland, Bricks Need Mortar, Business for a Better Portland and Kuto. 

"We're so heartened to have our students and employees back downtown at Portland State," said Stephen Percy, Portland State University President. "Our vibrant urban campus is key to the PSU identity and we are a committed partner in revitalizing this community and this region to thrive in the years to come." 

Gift cards were distributed during Party in the Park on campus this week and will be usable by students at more than 30 downtown businesses.