OnPoint announced a $100,000 donation to De La Salle North Catholic High School in support of its capital campaign to build a new, permanent campus for their students – our leaders and great minds of tomorrow.
As the largest and one of the longest-serving employers in De La Salle’s Corporate Work-Study Program, OnPoint’s commitment to the school stretches back two decades. We are proud to stand by the De La Salle community as we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis together.
De La Salle recently launched its capital campaign to raise $21.6 million to build its new campus. With OnPoint’s donation and other community support, the school has already reached 85% of its goal. We hope this donation inspires the rest of the community
A conversation with our Chief Talent Officer, Jackie Dunckley, about OnPoint’s $100,000 donation to De La Salle North Catholic
How deep is OnPoint’s connection to De La Salle? We asked our Chief Talent Officer Jackie Dunckley, who serves as the school’s board chair:
What makes DLSNC special?
Jackie: So many things. First and foremost, De La Salle serves kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to a rigorous college-prep education. It is the most diverse private high school in Oregon, with more than 95 percent of graduates going on to college. In addition to strong academics, the school incorporates a Corporate Work-Study Program (CWSP), which provides real-life work experience and mentorship. Whether in financial services, athletic wear, or architecture, the students work side-by-side with professionals to learn about career possibilities and marketable skills for the future.
As the world responds to COVID-19, what do you want De La Salle’s students to know?
Jackie: Your energy, talents and ideas are what will get the world through this, so don’t give up on pursuing your ideas – we need them more than ever. Investing in you, the leaders of tomorrow, is the best thing we can do in uncertain times. OnPoint and the rest of your community are proud to stand by you through these unprecedented times.
Why does DLSNC need a new campus?
Jackie: This really marks a new chapter for the school, which has lived in two temporary homes since it opened in 2001. The new location at NE 42nd and Killingsworth will have an extended lease, allowing the school to plan for the long term. It will include state-of-the-art science labs, a visual arts center and room to grow. We’ll also be able to increase enrollment by 25% to serve more than 350 students. The project plans are all about creating an incredible space for learning, growth and possibilities for these inspirational students.
Tell us more about how the Corporate Work Study Program opens doors for kids.
Let me give an example with one of our graduates, Nikolas Tucker, class of 2014. From a young age he knew he wanted to be an architect. While at De La Salle, Nikolas was able to get his CWSP job with Bora Architects. He went on to receive a full ride to Columbia University, where he graduated with honors in 2018. Nik returned to Portland and accepted a position at Bora, where it’s now part of his job to supervise CWSP student workers from De La Salle.
Now he’s giving back and opening doors for others – at a time when it’s needed most!
OnPoint’s capital campaign contribution is significant. Why make such a large donation now?
OnPoint has been involved in the school’s success since it opened in 2001 and we want to ensure the students and teachers know we are there for them when they need it most.
We are currently the largest sponsor/employer in the work-study program, supporting more than 150 students over the years. We have had multiple employees engaged in the success of the school’s summer onboarding program.
They have become our friends and colleagues and we hope our donation provides student assurance that they will have adequate space to learn, grow and explore on the other side of COVID-19.
This is an investment in Portland’s future as we support this culturally and racially diverse student body in eventually becoming part of our local workforce and building our local economy.
How can our OnPoint community get involved?
First, learn more about the school. I hope you’ll be as inspired as I am by these students, their teachers and the community that supports them at a time when we need some good news.
Second, donate: https://delasallenorth.org/ways-to-give/.
