We Belong PDX
We Belong PDX: Inspiring Future Builders Through Hands-On Learning
Each year, Andersen Construction’s Portland office welcomes students from We Belong PDX, a local nonprofit that empowers youth through connection, confidence, and community. The visit has become a favorite annual tradition — one where curiosity meets construction.
Location: Portland, Oregon
The Mission
We Belong PDX provides mentorship, education, and enrichment opportunities for young people in the Portland area, helping them build a strong sense of belonging and possibility. The organization focuses on fostering personal growth and exposing students to new experiences that inspire future goals and career paths.
The Team
Andersen Construction employees, volunteers, and mentors from the Portland office
The Project
For several years, Andersen has partnered with We Belong PDX to introduce kids to the world of construction — giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how teamwork, creativity, and technical skill come together to build big things.
During their visit, students tour the Andersen office, meet team members from across departments, and learn about the wide range of professions that make up the construction industry. The highlight of the day? Putting their new knowledge to work by building and decorating their own birdhouses — a hands-on activity that blends fun, craftsmanship, and a sense of accomplishment.
This partnership reflects Andersen’s dedication to opening doors for the next generation, showing kids that there’s a place for everyone in construction — whether their interests lie in design, engineering, project management, or the trades.
We’re proud to continue this yearly tradition with We Belong PDX, helping young people see their potential, build confidence, and imagine the possibilities of what they can create.
“Our crew stepped into real-world building at Andersen Construction—seeing the tools, teamwork, and talent that bring big projects to life. Then we rolled up our sleeves and built our own birdhouses, proving that with the right support, any young person can be a creator, a builder, a doer."
-We Belong PDX