The Blueprint Foundation

🌟 The Blueprint Foundation team is expanding, and now is YOUR chance to make a difference! 🌟

We are currently seeking applications for TWO WISE Program Assistants and ONE Workforce Development Assistant. Keep reading to learn more!

WISE PROGRAMS:
As a Program Assistant, you will support the planning and implementation of WISE programming across two tracks: Sowing Seeds (in-school mentorship) and Grounding Waters (outdoor, hands-on programming). This is an active, front-facing role that requires strong organizational skills, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to the young people we serve.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS:
The Workforce Development Program Assistant supports the planning and implementation of Workforce Development Program (Change is in the Air and Connecting Canopies) curriculum, events, and initiatives. This role ensures that courses, projects, and activities are well‐organized, properly staffed, and fully equipped. Key responsibilities include project coordination, community engagement, procurement, participant transportation, and general logistical support.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:
✨ You will ensure all projects are delivered on time, meet requirements, and are within budget.
✨ You will center racial, gender, and economic justice in all aspects of the Blueprint’s work, modeling a deep commitment to analyze equity as a crucial component of the organization and our community’s success.
✨ You will engage program participants, staff, and partners according to Blueprint’s Core Values.

If you're passionate about making a difference and have a commitment to equity, we want to hear from you!

📩 Apply now and be a part of our impactful team! View the full job description and application process:

https://www.theblueprintfoundation.org/careers/

This position will remain open until filled.

Earlier this month, The Blueprint Foundation celebrated our annual Vanport Community Education and Restoration Event with Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Port of Portland, Tappin' Roots, and Dr. Ed Washington 🌱

During a bright and beautiful day, we were joined by Dr. Ed Washington, a Vanport flood survivor, who has dedicated his life to civic leadership and education at Portland State University.

He shared the joys and challenges faced in the City of Vanport, explaining that the city itself was built in less than eight months to meet wartime demands, using heavy wood rather than concrete for construction. He vividly painted his childhood in Vanport and detailed the days that followed after being displaced by the floods.

After a heartfelt speech, we planted chokecherry trees and shrubs, as well as Mock Orange and Snowberry plants. We built more birdhouses and tested our wildlife identification skills. It's always an honor to give back to a place that was home to over 18,000 individuals and see the impact of our change year over year.

We're eagerly counting down the days until next year 💚

📣 We are excited to announce that our workforce development program, Connecting Canopies, is looking for new cohort members for April 2026! 📣

ABOUT CONNECTING CANOPIES:
Connecting Canopies prepares BIPOC young adults from underserved and underrepresented communities for meaningful careers in the environmental and green‑sector fields. Through a project‑based learning model, participants gain real‑world experience by rehabilitating community spaces and residential properties, restoring local ecosystems, and improving environmental health in the neighborhoods they call home.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
The program is designed as a nine‑month cohort, divided into three distinct 3‑month project rotations starting in April and ending in December. Each rotation gives participants the opportunity to work on different types of projects and collaborate with a variety of professional partners. This structure allows participants to apply their skills in multiple settings, explore different green‑sector pathways, and build a well‑rounded foundation of experience.

Participants are encouraged to take part in all three rotations, but only required to commit to one 3‑month project to enroll, ensuring the program remains accessible and flexible for those balancing school, work, or family responsibilities.

HOW TO APPLY:
Fill out this interest form by March 20th and attend one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr0fN13HUQIY0-0y20LSsYRdq9RPbE3jW7nZh5xmAzh0Z_qw/viewform

Info Date Sessions: March 10th, 2026 & March 13th, 2026.

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📆 MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 📆

The Blueprint Foundation and Columbia Slough Watershed Council are teaming up with Sparrowhawk Native Plants for this year's Native Plant Pop-Up Sale.

Starting March 1st at 9 AM through March 29th at 12AM, choose from over 115 diverse species of plants that support climate resiliency, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

At checkout, select to pick your plants up at Level Beer in NE Portland on May 8th or May 9th to support Blueprint and CSWC.

Proceeds from the sale will support our Columbia Slough-based projects, including our annual Vanport Stewardship Event, which connects students to the watershed’s history while addressing the disenfranchisement of Black communities following the 1948 floods through environmental restoration.

🔗 Visit https://sparrowhawknativeplants.com/ to learn more and browse this year's native plant collection!