Our Mission
LearningWorks responds to educational needs in the community by providing tutoring, mentoring, and alternative education opportunities designed to ensure the success of learners whose needs are not met by traditional systems.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which every learner has the tools, resources, and confidence they need to realize their full potential.
Our Programs
Our History
More than five decades ago, a coalition of concerned neighbors in Portland’s West End came together to advocate for change for families who were struggling to maintain affordable housing. Officially known as Portland West in 1967, the group initially focused on housing rights. As their work continued, the organization began to realize the significance of education as a pathway out of poverty. In 1999, Portland West’s mission was reoriented to the development and expansion of our education, work-readiness, and behavioral health programs, and ten years later, the organization was officially renamed LearningWorks. In late 2016, our staff and board updated our organizational mission statement with renewed focus on helping Mainers of all ages realize their potential and build thriving communities.
Though we have evolved from a grassroots neighborhood advocacy group to an innovative education nonprofit, we continue to earnestly offer transformational education opportunities that ensure the success of diverse learners across southern Maine.
