Young Women's Equity Project (YWEP)

Contact Information:
Heidi Herinckx, P.I.  herinch@pdx.edu 503-725-5958
Elisabeth Winter    wintere@pdx.edu  503-725-8719


The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a multi-ethnic, community-based, multi-service, private not-for-profit human service agency serving refugees and immigrants living in Portland, Oregon. In 2005 IRCO received funding from the Department of Education to develop and implement The Young Women's Equity Project (YWEP). The goals of this program are to increase the opportunity for equity in educational and career opportunities for young women who experience multiple barriers, including sex, race, ethnic origin and limited English proficiency.  The objectives of the program are to:

• Reduce socio-economic cultural barriers and stereotypes associated with traditional gender roles.
• Increase family and community support for young women to succeed in educational and career opportunities in the fields of math and science.
• Increase young women’s understanding of educational and career opportunities in the fields of math and science.
• Improve young women’s academic performance in math and science fields.
• Enhance IRCO’s existing partnerships with local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, community partners, and parent, teacher and student groups through increased opportunities for resources for young women.

The Regional Research Institute at Portland State University is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the YWEP program.