Since 2013, we have partnered with the best global and local brands.
Welcome to the Community Leaders in School (CLS) program. We are a group of educators and administrators that work tirelessly to get the best industry talent in front of the next generation of community leaders.
At CLS, many of us are senior industry experts that decided to momentarily move from the boardroom to the classroom—and have never looked back.
We host guest educators with decades of experience in healthcare, business, digital design, law enforcement, finance, culinary, architecture, and countless other exciting fields.
It's our mission to get young adults exposed to as many exciting careers and top-notch professionals as possible to create stronger communities.
Our vision is to create a diverse world full of prosperity, meaning, and connection for all. We envision a vast ecosystem of students, industry partners, colleges, and trade schools all focused on working together to create sustainable value in our communities.
WAYS TO PAY IT FORWARD
All it takes is one moment to create an unforgettable experience for young adults.
This is one of our most-requested options. Come spend a little time face-to-face with the next generation of workers in your industry. Students will be prepared with questions about pre-determined topics and eager to learn about what you've done in the field. Most guests lead a discussion for about 25 minutes and then do a 10-20 minute Q&A session. In some cases, experts come in to review some their work. It's exciting for both parties!
Getting students out of the building is a top priority. This is usually done after a guest has come to class. This is a time for students to see what in-field work looks like, and that can make a huge difference in the way the perceive a career. On the tour, leaders get to share basic aspects of the business and how it works.
If all goes well with guest speakers and a business tour, sometimes our brightest and most capable students conduct a job shadow with a willing participant. These community leaders allow students to look over the shoulder of an industry expert. After preparation and protocol is established, they simply observe someone as real business is being conducted. After a quick session, they can ask debrief and ask questions. This can be an eye-opening experience for everyone involved.
HS seniors and college students often have an advanced project that need an extra set of eyes. Community leaders often come to the aide of these students and help point them in the right direction. Their industry expertise and tips are always welcomed advice. In the end, students get value beyond completing their project: they get relevant industry insights on a meaningful project.
Advanced students need a way to apply some of their skills in their career field of interest. The best Community Leaders can offer a short-term internship (paid or unpaid) to help students take it to the next level. This kind of industry stewardship is an essential part of education for students to find a right-fit career. And companies often find this arrangement to be a win-win situation.
Our most caring Community Leaders are committed to preserving enriching career exploration opportunities for young adults. These people choose to serve on our Advisory Board and help make the biggest impact on our programs. In most cases, this is only a two-hour a month commitment. (Lately, all meetings are done over video which make it convenient for all.)
Past Class Guests [sample]
Founder of Stash Tea, Tazo Tea, and Steve Smith Tea.
Chairman of Albertsons. Former CEO of Rite Aid, Fred Meyer, and Albertsons.
Former Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns owner. (Harvard alumnus)
Motivational peaker, best-selling author, athletic trainer, and The Catalyst.
VP/GM Nike Jordan Brand. Former Executive Vice President/COO of the Portland Trailblazers.
Nike Global Director of Supply Chain University. (Stanford alumnus)
Chairman of Merger-Tech and Co-founder of Saber Corp (that he sold for $440M).
Founder Children’s Cancer Association (JoyRx), fundraiser [$50M+], and public speaker.
Founder of Science Of People, corporate trainer, and best-selling author. (Emory alumna)
Founder of Little Big Burger, Blue Star Donuts, Boxer Ramen, Camden Ketchup, and more.
Founder of Pacific Office Automation.
Entrepreneur and coach. (Harvard alumna)
Managing Director at Neuberger Bergman.
Founder of SameUnderneath clothing and global branding expert.
Business Coach, Author, and co-founder of Internet Business Mastery.
Serial entrepreneur with 3 successful exits and 16 years experience as a digital marketing strategist for over 80 tech startups.
Founder of Sock It Too Me apparel.
Principal of Think Fiction ad agency.
CEO of CD Baby.
Former state treasurer and current Portland governor [2022]. (Harvard alumnus)
Director at Young Entrepreneur Business Week.
Founder of Pacific Northwest Tax Service and Pacific Northwest Tax School.
Investors and founders of The Meriwether Group.
Nike shoe design legend (Jordan 3-15),
VP Senior Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab & Co.
Investor and Serial Entrepreneur (RealNet Investments, Grunt Works, etc).
Public Policy manager at ODOT. (Harvard alumna)
Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank. Former CFO of The Clymb, RuleSpace, ShiftWise, & myAgro. Former investment banker at World Bank. (Stanford & Vanderbilt alumna)
Chief Revenue Offer at Millennium Systems, Digimarc, and Smarsh.
Global Marketing Director at Nike.
Pharmacist and medical entrepreneur.
Principal Broker at SMI Commercial Real Estate.
CEO and co-founder of the Sockeye marketing agency.
As you can see, we work with community leaders and legends. Be our next one and
Come To Class!
The CLS Track Record
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CLS
Meet Peyton
Let us help you connect with the future!
PEYTON
Program Director & Founder
