About Us
Our Story
NextGen Connect Center was founded in 2024 out of a growing need to support underserved and immigrant youth in Multnomah County and surrounding areas who often face barriers in accessing academic and social support outside of school. What began as a small afterschool tutoring initiative, led by community members passionate about education and youth empowerment, quickly became a trusted space for students and families seeking connection, encouragement, and culturally grounded guidance
Since its start, NextGen Connect Center has worked to build relationships with parents, schools, and mentors who share our vision of seeing every young person succeed - not only academically but also personally and professionally. In less than a year, we've witnessed the incredible potential of the youth we serve, inspiring us to expand our mission beyond tutoring to provide comprehensive resources that help prepare them for college, careers, and lifelong success.
NextGen Connect Center was born from the belief that every young person deserves access to support, guidance, and a safe space to grow. Recognizing that many youth face academic pressures, emotional challenges, and major life transitions without the resources they need, NextGen was created to ensure that no child has to navigate those experiences alone.
For founder Sadia Noor, this mission is deeply personal. Because she could not change the past, she chose to help shape the future by giving back to her community and supporting the children who now stand where she once stood. Through NextGen Connect Center, she wants every young person to know that they are seen, supported, and capable of greatness, and that everything truly is going to be alright.
NextGen aims to be the vessel that holds it all together for youth, supporting them academically, emotionally, and personally, from elementary school through college. We also believe in the importance of cultural identity — helping youth stay connected to their roots, heritage, and faith while learning to navigate and embrace a new culture. We want them to know they don’t have to choose between the two; they can honor where they come from while confidently growing into who they are meant to be.
Who We Are
Every great mission starts with a personal story. Nextgen Connect Center was founded to close the opportunity gap for underserved youth and families - creating a safe space for learning, mentorship, and creativity. What began as a small tutoring circle has grown into a vibrant community hub where young people can learn, lead, and belong.
This vision came from a young woman who remembers exactly what it felt like to be that little girl - new to a country, new to a culture, and new to a language. She was suddenly placed into an elementary school classroom without speaking a single word of English, surrounded by uncertainty and feeling small. Today, she often wishes she could go back in time, hold that little girl close, and tell her that everything is going to be alright.
Our Sponsors & Community Partners
We are deeply grateful to every organization, business, foundation, and community leader who chooses to stand alongside us in support of the next generation. Together, we are creating opportunities, building stronger communities, and ensuring that every young person knows they are seen, valued, and capable of achieving greatness.
Thank you for believing in our youth and investing in their future.
Our Mission
At NextGen Connect Center, our mission is to empower underserved and immigrant youth in Multnomah County and surrounding areas to reach their full potential by providing culturally responsive academic support, mentorship, and life-skills development.