caldera

caldera’s year-round youth programs make a difference in the lives of underserved kids from portland and central oregon. each year, caldera reaches nearly 10,000 oregon young people. caldera’s impact on students is both deep and sustained. students become involved in our program in 6th grade and remain involved throughout high school, into college and their path to the professional world. whether it’s spending a week under the stars, writing a song with an in-school mentor or building new friendships with people from vastly different cultures, caldera changes lives.

kids with limited resources work with artists at life-changing summer retreats at blue lake. through art, music, dance, creative writing and moving-image arts, kids build self-confidence and get a sense of who they are and who they might become. during the school year, artists reunite with students in their home schools in portland and central oregon. our school-wide artist residencies and mentors provide performances and workshops in arts partner schools attended by caldera kids. connecting with students during the school day, meeting after school and convening for summer arts retreats, we build lasting relationships with the young people we serve.